State Legislator Files Bill to Abolish the Death Penalty in Texas

 Posted on December 18,2020 in Criminal Defense

Anyone found guilty of committing a crime may see their life flash before their eyes. Whether you have to pay exorbitant fees, are concerned about how your criminal record will impact your future, or have been sentenced to time in prison, it can quickly feel as if your future is spiraling out of your control. This is especially true for those who have the possibility of facing the death penalty, which is still a sentencing option in Texas. However, one legislator is fighting to abolish it. Depending on the decision made by the government, those found guilty of crimes in 2021 may not face this sentencing possibility.

Senate Bill 188

This past September, a 25-year-old man named Victor Godinez had a virtual hearing regarding the criminal charges that he is facing. From Hidalgo County Detention Center, Godinez learned that if he is convicted of killing Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Moises Sanchez, prosecutors will seek the death penalty for his actions. Godinez is just one of many who are facing this same reality. 

State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. is reaching out to men like Godinez in his recently filed SB 188. The bill was filed in mid-November and will abolish the death penalty if passed. Following his pro-life values, Sen. Lucio believes that all life should be valued and that the court should not be able to convict someone to death. He also filed SB 189, which would correct “a misleading error” in death penalty cases as the death sentence jury instructions suggest that 10 jurors must agree to a death sentence when the dissent of one juror can change the sentence to life in prison without parole. Both bills are aimed to improve the lives of those in the criminal justice system, but as the top state for executions, it may face challenges moving forward.

Who Can Face the Death Penalty?

The death penalty is reserved for only the most serious criminal offenses. If the individual is convicted of a capital felony, the State can pursue the death penalty. According to Texas law, a capital state felony is one in which a person intentionally or knowingly causes the death of another person under special circumstances. These include:

• The murder of a public safety officer or firefighter in the line of duty, correctional officer, judge, or anyone under the age of 6

• Murder while committing the following felonies: burglary, kidnapping, arson, aggravated rape, and robbery

• Committing murder for remuneration

• Committing multiple murders

• Committing murder during a prison escape

Contact a Wilson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing capital felony charges in Texas, it is imperative that you work with a reputable criminal defense attorney. Charges of this severity can leave you with a crippling future. At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we assist clients facing the most serious criminal charges to help them forge a more viable future. With over 40 years of combined experience in criminal law, we can help you build a secure defense strategy. For help with your case, call our Floresville criminal defense attorneys at BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys today.

Sources:

https://www.themonitor.com/2020/11/21/rgv-legislator-files-bill-abolish-texas-death-penalty/

https://tarlton.law.utexas.edu/texas-death-penalty