Fifty-six-year-old former Fort Worth, Texas police officer Brian Franklin, who was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in March 1994, has been freed after serving 21 years of a life sentence. The development comes after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in April that his conviction should be thrown out because Franklin’s accuser admitted in 2014 that she lied during part of her testimony in the 1995 trial.
According to The Associated Press, Franklin posted a $10,000 bail on Thursday, May 5. However, prosecutors still want to pursue the case. Tarrant County prosecutor Bill Vassar told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that, “We are headed to a new trial. If the defense would like to plead, we will consider that.” Although the victim did claim she lied about some parts of her testimony, she maintains that it is true that Franklin raped her in her father’s backyard in March 1994.
A criminal charge can have debilitating consequences on one’s life, especially if it leads to a wrongful conviction. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Dallas, the dedicated attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter can help you reach the best possible outcome. Call our office to discuss your legal options at (214) 845-7007.
