Case Results

Capital Murder Defense – Not Guilty Verdict

Capital murder charges represent the most serious allegations a person can face under Texas law, carrying life-altering consequences and requiring extraordinary preparation and care. Attorney Brittany Lannen served as defense counsel in a capital murder jury trial that resulted in an historical Not Guilty verdict. To be clear: this is one of less than ten Not Guilty verdicts in a capital murder case in Texas history.

The circumstances of this case were highly unusual: Ms. Lannen and her defense team were retained on the day jury selection began. While this timeline is not typical and is not encouraged in serious criminal matters, the case proceeded under those unique constraints. Despite the compressed timeframe, Ms. Lannen and her team immediately conducted an intensive review of the allegations and evidence presented by the State. The defense focused on disciplined analysis of the prosecution’s theory, careful examination of witness credibility, and identification of critical gaps in the State’s proof. Throughout the trial, the defense held the prosecution to its constitutional burden of proof and challenged assumptions rather than accepting them at face value.

The jury ultimately returned a verdict of Not Guilty, rejecting the State’s case in its entirety. This verdict reflects the effectiveness of a defense approach grounded in rigorous analysis, strategic decision-making, and clear courtroom advocacy—even under extraordinary circumstances.

While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, this case demonstrates Ms. Lannen’s ability to step into high-stakes litigation, assess complex criminal allegations quickly and critically, and advocate effectively for her client when the consequences could not be higher.