13 S.W.2d 835 | Tex. Crim. App. | 1929
The appeal is from an order denying bail. Appellant is charged by complaint with the offense of murder.
The state relied almost entirely upon appellant's confession. The confession itself raises the issue of self-defense. Appellant's testimony heard upon the hearing also raises such issue. If the same testimony should be adduced on the trial of the case, it would be necessary to submit the issue of self-defense to the jury.
Because there is evidence in the record of mitigating circumstances or raising the issue of self-defense does not require a reversal of the trial court denying bail. The source of the evidence will be considered in determining whether the denial of bail was erroneous. Ex parte Polk,
If appellant's theory of self-defense is accepted, he would be entitled to bail; if such theory be rejected, we have an unexplained killing, with nobody present but appellant, and no witness to testify as to the facts and circumstances leading up to the killing. Ex parte Cole,
The burden is on the state to show that accused is not entitled to bail. Otherwise he is entitled to bail as a matter of right. Article 1, Section 11, Constitution of Texas. Ex parte Powell,
The judgment denying bail is reversed and bail granted in the sum of $7,500.00.
Reversed and bail granted.
The foregoing opinion of the Commission of Appeals has been examined by the Judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals and approved by the Court.
