Search for "Rita N. Bettis Austen"

I am a former Marine, (1982-1986) who began practicing Federal Criminal law in 2001 in New York City. In 2004 I was admitted to the North Carolina Bar and have been a practicing trial attorney ever since. I say "trial attorney", because that is what I am. Whether you have a complex criminal felony, a misdemeanor, a DWI, or a domestic case; if I cannot reach a reasonable conclusion with opposing counsel, I am always prepared to empanel a jury and plead your case.

With nearly 19 years of Criminal, Domestic and Civil trial experience, both...

Private practice in criminal defense, Austin, TX - General felony and misdemeanor trial practice, emphasis on major felonies. Extensive jury trial experience – over 75 felony jury trials, including 3 death penalty capital murders, homicides, aggravated robberies, aggravated kidnappings, aggravated sexual assaults. Experience in direct and cross-examination of forensic pathologists, firearm and tool mark examiners, arson investigators, DNA technicians, crime scene analysts and reconstruction specialists; expert witnesses on coerced confessions, sexual and family violence abuse therapists and victims; psychiatric testimony including insanity defense, mental retardation and future dangerousness assessment.