The Death Penalty in Texas
The death penalty is the most severe punishment that an individual can face for a crime. In Texas, if you are convicted of murder you may find yourself sitting on death row. Sadly, some inmates have been sentenced to death with insufficient evidence to prove that they are guilty of a crime, or new evidence has emerged that supports the claim that the suspect is innocent.
If you are awaiting trial for murder charges, consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Until you have had a chance to discuss your case with a lawyer, avoid talking to anyone about your charges. Experienced Austin criminal defense attorney Ian Inglis can provide you with sound legal advice and help you begin preparations for your defense in court. Don't hesitate to contact him today at 800-589-1808.
Capital Crimes
In Texas, capital felonies are punishable by death. Today murder is the only charge that can be considered a capital felony, and the prosecution must be able to show that the death of the victim was “intentionally or knowingly caused” by the individual on trial.
Crimes that are considered capital felonies include:
- Murder while committing another felony, including: aggravated rape, arson, burglary, kidnapping, or robbery
- Murder of multiple people
- Murdering a police officer or firefighter on duty
- Murder of a correctional officer or prison guard
- Murder while attempting escape from prison
- Murder of a child under 6 years old
- Murder by an inmate who has been sentenced to life in prison for 5 or more offenses
- Murdering a judge
Know Your Rights
If you have been charged with any of the above crimes, you may be sentenced to death if you are convicted. You have a right to defense in court to make a case for your innocence. Even if you have been convicted, you may appeal your case to a higher court.
A good criminal defense lawyer will scrutinize all of the evidence brought against you for weaknesses and can aggressively cross-examine witnesses to the crime. Criminal defense lawyers are trained to look for faulty evidence brought against you, and even if you are convicted they can continue to look for positive evidence to help your case in an appellate court.
Contact Us
Don't enter the courtroom feeling that you are unprepared to defend your case. For information and assistance with capital felony defense and death row charges, don't hesitate to contact aggressive, experienced Austin criminal attorney Ian Inglis at 800-589-1808.
The Ian Inglis web site is designed to provide educational information only and is not intended to offer legal advice. Information contained in this website is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with Ian Inglis on its own will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication.