The Texas Court of Appeals has upheld a 60-year prison sentence for Matthew John Flaskrud, who was convicted of intoxication manslaughter following a motorcycle crash that resulted in the death of another rider. The court's decision, issued on August 26, 2026, confirms the trial court's findings and addresses Flaskrud's claims regarding due process violations and ineffective counsel.
This ruling is significant as it reinforces the legal consequences for intoxicated driving, particularly in cases that lead to fatalities. It also highlights the challenges defendants face when appealing convictions and the importance of adhering to procedural rules during trials.
Background
Matthew John Flaskrud was charged with intoxication manslaughter after a motorcycle accident on March 2, 2022, in Montgomery County, Texas. The incident occurred when Flaskrud collided with another motorcyclist, Derrick Hintzman, resulting in Hintzman's death. At the time of the crash, Flaskrud was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.142, significantly above the legal limit.
During the trial, Flaskrud was absent for part of the proceedings after cutting off his ankle monitor and failing to appear in court. Despite his absence, the jury found him guilty and determined that he had used a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense. The trial court later assessed his punishment at 60 years in prison, considering Flaskrud's prior convictions for enhancement purposes.
The Ruling
The Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's judgment, rejecting Flaskrud's five claims on appeal. Flaskrud argued that his due process rights were violated when the court excluded evidence regarding Hintzman’s blood alcohol concentration, which he believed was relevant to establishing comparative fault in the accident. The court found that Flaskrud had forfeited this argument by not properly preserving it during the trial.
The court ruled, "Flaskrud’s complaint on appeal varies from his trial objection, he has forfeited his complaint."
Additionally, Flaskrud claimed ineffective assistance of counsel, arguing that his attorney failed to object to judicial bias and did not secure the admission of certain evidence. The court rejected these claims, stating that Flaskrud did not demonstrate that his counsel's performance was deficient or that it affected the outcome of the trial.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for future cases involving intoxication manslaughter in Texas. It underscores the importance of procedural compliance during trials and the challenges defendants face when attempting to appeal convictions based on claims of ineffective counsel or due process violations. The court's decision reinforces the legal standard that defendants must meet to successfully challenge their convictions on appeal.
Furthermore, the ruling serves as a reminder of the severe penalties associated with intoxicated driving, especially in cases that result in fatalities. The affirmation of a lengthy prison sentence highlights the legal system's commitment to addressing the dangers of impaired driving.
What's Next
Flaskrud has the option to seek further review from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, but details regarding any potential appeal were not available in the court filing. A related case or additional legal actions stemming from this incident are not currently reported.