331ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT/ JUDGE PERKINS
Defendants: Charles Lott
Offense: Aggravated robbery
Prosecutors: Amy Meredith and Marianne Powers
Defense attorney: Rick Reed
403RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT/ JUDGE KENNEDY
Defendants: Willie Marshall
Offense: Sexual assault of a child
Prosecutors: Beverly Matthews and Joe Frederick
Defense attorney: Lucio del Toro
The result from last week:
299TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT/ JUDGE BAIRD
Offense: Aggravated sexual assault of a child
Prosecutors: Monica Flores and Beverly Matthews
Defense attorney: Eloisa Ontiveros and Brad Urrutia
Disposition: Jury found guilty on all ten counts; Punishment phase begins tomorrow (Tuesday).
I was on the jury panel for the Jose Alejo case and was not chosen, but I am interested to learn what what type of punishment he received? I'm happy to hear he was convicted, I must say I went in with a very closed mind and gut instincts told me he was guilty. Obviously my instincts were right. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteHow was your experience of the jury selection process?
ReplyDeleteI'll find out tomorrow the exact sentence and let you know. Check back!
I too was on the jury selection, but was not picked. I went in with an open mind concerning the defendant. I too would like to know what type of punishment he received.
ReplyDeleteJury experience was very a very long day. The prosecution presented an articulate and intelligent side (at least what they could present). However, when the defendants attorney's addressed the jury panel my first reaction was this guy was toast and wouldn't have a chance. His team didn't appear to be as polished or as experienced as the prosection side.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that those who were chosen were panelists who didn't say a word the entire day and those with opinions were shut out.
The entire panel was kept until almost 5:00 that day. There were many panelists who had expressed from the get-go they could not be objective, yet were made to stay until the very end of the day. I'm curious why?
It was a fascinating day overall, but I must say, I'm glad I wasn't chosen.
I'm glad you found it an interesting experience. To answer as to why people had to sit there until the end, I think there are a few reasons. The main one is just that it would be very disruptive, and hard to keep track, if people were let out willy nilly.
ReplyDeleteI also think it might encourage those not too excited about jury duty to say things to try and get off.
It's also possible that those who say they can't be fair, if they approach the bench and talk more in depth to the judge and the lawyers, realize they can be. When that issue is put differently, maybe they see that while they detest the crime, the issue is going to be whether the defendant committed the crime. After all, as I'm sure you were told, everyone detests murder/rape/robbery etc.
But thanks for your patience, I hope it's an experience you will talk up to those who ask you about it. (And I'll pass on your compliments to the prosecutors!)
Thanks! By the way, I'm very curious to get the details of the case, as we were given very little during jury selection. Are the transcripts of the case available online by chance?
ReplyDeleteDo these typee of cases likely appeal? Does he go straight to prison or will he stay at the Travis County jail during appeal?
Many thanks for all of your responses, I'm now a devoted fan of your blog!
You are welcome. :) I'll try some answers:
ReplyDelete"I'm very curious to get the details of the case, as we were given very little during jury selection. Are the transcripts of the case available online by chance?"
By law we're not allowed to give you the details during voir dire, I bet that's frustrating for panel members but there's good reason behind it. Anyway, the only places to get details (that I know of) are the media outlets, The Statesman or the TV stations. The official clerks file, open to the public, has some information, too, but that requires a trip to the courthouse! Nothing online as far as trial transcripts, though.
"Do these type of cases likely appeal?"
I don't deal much with appeals but it's my impression that many jury trials, especially those that result in long sentences, often get appealed.
"Does he go straight to prison or will he stay at the Travis County jail during appeal?"
Good question, and the short answer is 'I'm not sure'! I think they have prescheduled buses that go the penitentiary every week or so. Until then, inmates stay in the county jail (obviously!).
Thanks for reading!