Life on Death Row

Capital punishment has been a topic of debate for centuries, easily prompting the questions of whether or not it’s constitutional. Each state holds its own position and legality for capital punishment, and Florida still considers it a legal form of punishment. If you or someone you know is in need of a criminal defense lawyer, contact an attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. today.

The first occurrence of the death penalty dates all the way back to the 1600s with George Kendall for being a Spanish spy. Since then, we have introduced multiple methods of execution including hanging, electrocution, firing squad, lethal injection, and the gas chamber. While most states have lethal injection listed as their primary method, each one of these methods is still utilized in some state. In Florida, lethal injection and electrocution are forms used for capital punishment as sentenced. 1,338 people have been executed by lethal injection and 163 have been executed by electrocution, though these numbers have only been recorded since 1976. The Salem Witch Trials in 1692 account for twenty executions by hanging alone.

This information alone is startling, as 22 states have abolished the death penalty. Additionally, three states including California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania have a Governor-imposed moratorium. This means that the death penalty has only been temporarily suspended, and it has not been completely abolished.

This information makes you wonder what someone has to do to be sentenced to the death penalty. You can be sentenced to capital punishment for treason, murder, large-scale drug trafficking, or attempted murder of a court participant. An average of 29 years is spent waiting for your execution on death row, though there have been rare instances of individuals being paroled and surviving their time on death row.

Life on death row in Florida consists of living in a 6 x 9 x 9.5 feet cell. You are given a last meal, and the ability to say a few last words to those attending the execution.

Famous Death Row Cases

Some of the most famous executions include Aileen Wuornos, Ted Bundy, and Charles Manson.

Aileen Wuornos was a notorious Florida serial killer between 1989-1990. It was revealed during the investigation that she murdered at least six men during this time frame, though Wuornos claimed their deaths were in self-defense. She was later found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to the death penalty. On October 9, 2002 Aileen Wuornos was executed by lethal injection.

Ted Bundy was a serial killer whose final murders took place in Tallahassee, Florida. Bundy later confessed to 30 killings between 1974 and 1978, though experts believe there were more. He was executed by electric chair on January 24th, 1989, and his last words were well wishes of love to his family.

A criminal case on your record could lead to difficulties in future opportunities, or even a dire sentencing. Get help in finding the defense suitable for your case immediately. If you or someone you know is interested in more information, or are seeking a criminal defense lawyer, contact Pallegar Law, P.A. to get the help you need.

Contact an Attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. for More Information

If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer or are looking for additional information, contact an attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. Call 941.893.5816 to schedule your free consultation today.