Understanding Manslaughter: A Case Study and Defense Strategy - Criminal Defense Family Law

Murder Accusation found not guilty, guilty of manslaughter

RESULTS: Murder Accusation – Client Found Not Guilty- Guilty of lesser included offense of Manslaughter.

Charge: First Degree Felony Murder

Accusation:

Our client was charged with the murder of a co-worker at a local construction site in 2022. The client was accused of having shot the co-worker in the back of the head randomly and without reason while at work. Initially, prosecutors offered the client a plea deal of 50 years in prison. As the trial approached, the prosecution withdrew the offer, seeking a life sentence from the jury instead.

Defense Strategy:

Mr. Blizzard took on the case and conducted a vigorous defense during the jury trial. Key elements of the defense included:

Lack of Motive: Mr. Blizzard challenged the State’s evidence by highlighting the absence of a clear motive for the alleged crime.
Firearm Recall Evidence: The defense presented evidence that the firearm involved had been subject to a recall due to its propensity for accidental discharge caused by a sensitive trigger.
Investigation Flaws: Mr. Blizzard confronted investigators, demonstrating that they had jumped to conclusions and charged the client with murder without thoroughly investigating the true circumstances of the incident.
Alternative Explanation: The defense argued that the gun either discharged accidentally or was fired due to negligent handling.

Outcome:

The jury acquitted the client of the murder charge, finding him not guilty. However, they did find him guilty of manslaughter due to reckless handling of the firearm.

Post-Conviction Negotiation:

After the conviction for manslaughter, Mr. Blizzard successfully negotiated with the State to resolve the client’s punishment. He managed to get the sentences for the manslaughter charge and a pending 1st Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver charge to run concurrently. This negotiation avoided the possibility of stacking the sentences, resulting in a total sentence of 18 years.

Client Benefits:

Avoidance of Severe Sentences: The client faced potential penalties ranging from 5 to 99 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty on the original murder charge.
Concurrent Sentences: Through Mr. Blizzard’s negotiation, the client’s sentences were made to run concurrently, significantly reducing the overall time to be served.
Reduced Total Sentence: The result was an 18-year sentence, far less severe than the potential life sentence initially sought by the prosecution.

Mr. Blizzard’s dedicated defense and strategic negotiation ensured a significantly more favorable outcome for the client amidst very serious charges.

Our client’s mother praised the firm in her review of her family’s experience, “I want everyone to know Jacob Blizzard, Madison Zajdel worked my son’s case with the most understanding compassion and with the best professional legal representation in court. I want to let everyone know that at times it seems that they are not working on your case but be patient. Some cases need that careful investigation and review of the law for the very best outcome. You will not go wrong with Jacob Blizzard and his team to represent you in the court of law. Be truthful and honest with him and watch the miracles that he can bring to your case when you are feeling lost hope.”

About The Attorney

Jacob Blizzard Criminal Defense Attorney

Jacob Blizzard is a distinguished Board Certified Criminal Law and Criminal Appeal Attorney as designated by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Specializing in state and federal criminal defense, criminal appeals, and post-conviction writs of habeas corpus, Mr. Blizzard stands out in the legal field.

Among over 100,000 licensed attorneys in Texas, he is one of only 87 to hold dual board certifications in both criminal law and criminal appellate law, positioning him within the top 0.087% of attorneys in the state. His expertise and dedication make him a leading figure in his area of practice.

Disclaimer

Attorney Jacob Blizzard works tirelessly to achieve the greatest possible results for each of our clients and their families. This is one of his successful results, settlements, and verdicts. Every case and client is unique and depends upon the individual facts and circumstances of each case. Clients may or may not obtain the same or similar results in each case.