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Man Flees Courtroom Before Probation Verdict

Updated 9:15 AM CDT, Fri, Jan 9, 2009

Would-be lawyers from Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted are participating in a mock trial program has been going strong for more than two decades.

 

A North Texas man who would have been on probation for his drug conviction has been sentenced Thursday to six months in jail.

Officials said 47-year-old James Carroll Franklin of Azle fled before hearing the verdict Wednesday in Decatur and was captured after a chase.

Defense attorney Jim Shaw said Franklin apparently panicked after prosecutors urged jurors to sentence him to life in prison.

Franklin went to the restroom. Minutes later the jury returned with its verdict: a $1,000 fine and six years in prison -- which they recommended be probated.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Franklin led authorities on a chase through Wise and Parker counties before being caught in Tarrant County.

The judge has sentenced Franklin to 180 days in jail as a condition of his 10-year probation. He also faces a felony charge of evading arrest.

Copyright Associated Press

Comments (2)

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  • JBKinard Friday, Jan 9 at 11:53 AM FLAG COMMENT I wonder if it was drugs or drunk driving?
  • WWHD Friday, Jan 9 at 10:10 AM FLAG COMMENT Hell, only drug related offenses? That is nothing nowadays. There's a revolving door that is in place. I can't believe he got scared and fled. If there's a history of life for these POS, then I can understand; but in Texas they are in and out in no time. It isn't a big deal.

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