2016 is shaping up to be one of the busiest trial years ever. With pending trials in both counties of my practice, I will be busy throughout the year. So far, a couple potential trials were resolved, but the schedule is still on fire. Here it is so far:
TRIAL #1
Travis County 147th District Court
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Enhanced
State v. Lonnie Brewster
Length: 2 Days
Penalty Range: 15-99/Life
Result: Busted panel on Voir Dire/Pled to 5 years TDC non-enhanced
Father accused of Aggravated Sexual Assault of his daughter. Outcry made to ex-wife
Rank: None given
TRIAL #2
Travis County 450th District Court
Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Felon in Possession of a Firearm Enhanced
State v. Thomas Milton Buchanan
Length: 3 Days
Penalty Range: 5-99/Life
Result: Convicted 50 years TDC
Son held shotgun to mother's head after throwing her to floor. Mother had called 911 prior to this and the line was open which recorded entire incident. Mother fled to bathroom, crawled out window, fled to neighbor's house and called 911 again. Mom was 72 years old. SWAT standoff, robot broke door down, and client submitted peacefully. Defendant had history of mental illness and drug/alcohol abuse.
Rank: None given
TRIAL #3
Travis County 147th District Court
Murder
State v. Joseph F. Karr
Length: 5 days
Penalty Range: 5-99/Life
Result: Life & $10,000.00 fine
Boyfriend came to visit Austin with Southwest Airlines flight attendant girlfriend. After arriving on Tuesday and seeing the town, they went with friends out on Friday (Halloween). After returning home, an encounter happen in the kitchen which resulted in 37 fatal stab wounds to girlfriend. Boyfriend appropriated a vehicle without consent and eventually was apprehended in a neighboring county with the knife. Defendant had numerous wounds on his body.
Rank: Well, 37 stab wounds makes it tough.