Capital Murder
Capital Murder Attorney – Brett A. Podolsky
Murder or homicide crimes are serious offenses that are made even more so in certain situations. That’s because in many cases, homicide can be considered capital murder, which carries the death penalty. The state of Texas is known for having a high number of death row inmates, so those who have been accused of capital murder (sometimes called “first-degree murder”) should take their charges very seriously. As serious as a crime like attempted murder is, the charges are obviously much more steep for capital murder.
According to the Texas Penal Code, first-degree murder charges may result if:
- The killing of a child who is less than 10 years of age
- A homicide committed during the commission of another felony criminal offense
- Murder for hire
- Killing of another while escaping or attempting to escape a detention center
- Murder of two or more individuals, which could be at the same time or on two or more different occasions
- Taking the life of a judge, employee of the courts or on-duty firefighter or police officer
Conditions on Texas’ Death Row
Male inmates on Texas’ death row are housed at the Allan B. Polunsky Unit, which is located in Livingston. Women are located at the Mountain View Unit in Gatesville. Offenders are housed in separate cells, where they eat meals and participate in recreation alone. Contact visits are not permitted; rather, individuals and their visitors must talk through a telephone, and they are separated by glass panes. As you can tell, prisoners on death row suffer a lonely existence.
How is Capital Murder Defended?
In order to avoid one’s charges, a “not guilty” verdict is usually necessary. This requires raising reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors, which can be done by:
- Questioning the validity of forensic evidence
- Exposing instances of police or prosecutorial misconduct
- Showing evidence that would indicate another party committed the crime
- Cross-examining witnesses in order to expose flaws in the prosecution’s case
- Providing an alibi for the defendant
Speaking to a Capital Murder Attorney in Houston, TX is Important
If you’re accused of killing someone, you need a knowledgeable trial attorney who has strong credentials. Brett A. Podolsky is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinct recognition given to only a handful of Texas lawyers. In addition, he has prior jury trial experience with capital murder charges. He strongly believes that every defendant is innocent until proven guilty, and he will fight hard to make sure the state of Texas proves every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Call 713-227-0087 to schedule a free review of your capital murder case.
