X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
OPINION

On March 2, 2007, a grand jury returned an indictment charging appellant Rolando Ramirez with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony. See Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 49.08 (West Supp. 2008). The indictment included a deadly weapon allegation. On August 22, 2008, a jury found Ramirez guilty of intoxication manslaughter and found the deadly weapon allegation to be true. The judge assessed Ramirez’s punishment at eighteen years’ confinement. In three points of error, Ramirez argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion for a new trial because (1) his counsel provided ineffective assistance by failing to elect jury sentencing on his behalf, barring him from receiving a sentence of probation and depriving him of his rights under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, (2) the State failed to preserve evidence relating to his case, depriving him of his due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and (3) the loss of evidence by the State also deprived him of his due course of law rights under the Texas Constitution. Because we conclude that the trial court erred in denying Ramirez’s motion for a new trial on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel at sentencing, we reverse that portion of the judgment assessing punishment and remand the cause to the trial court for a new punishment hearing.

BACKGROUND

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
October 29, 2024
East Brunswick, NJ

New Jersey Law Journal honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in New Jersey with their dedication to the profession.


Learn More
July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.


Learn More
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More

Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow LLP is a highly regarded legal firm based in Edison, New Jersey. The firm specializes in medical malpractice and per...


Apply Now ›

The George Washington University Law School invites applications for multiple tenure-track or tenured faculty appointments, at the rank of A...


Apply Now ›

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has an immediate opening for experienced Employment Attorneys in its Los Angeles and Ventura offices. Candida...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›