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Hudspeth County Attorney who suggested Willie Nelson sing his way out of pot trouble dies at 87

Nelson and Bramblett
KVIA
Singer Willie Nelson (Left) and the late Hudspeth County Attorney C.R. "Kit" Bramblett.

(Correction: An earlier version of story incorrectly indicated Willie Nelson had sung his way out of a marijuana-related charge as part of a plea deal. The proposal was rejected.)

SIERRA BLANCA, Texas -- Long-time Hudspeth County Attorney C.R. "Kit" Bramblett has died at the age of 87.

Known in Texas courtrooms for his cowboy boots, hat and booming voice, Bramblett was the Hudspeth County attorney for 19 years, and at the time of his death was the oldest acting county attorney.

Described as a colorful cowboy, Bramblett gained national attention in 2010 when he offered singer Willie Nelson a plea deal after Nelson, a treasured icon in the Lone Star state, was charged with marijuana possession.

The deal included a small fine, court costs and the condition that Nelson sing his 1975 hit song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” in court.

"You can bet your ass I'm not going to be mean to Willie Nelson," Bramblett said at the time.

The deal was rejected by Judge Becky Dean-Walker.

Jim Darnell, a fellow lawyer and friend, said Bramblett was also known for being a long-time farmer, rancher and lawyer in west Texas.

 "A quintessential west Texan,” is how Darnell described his friend. “He spoke Spanish as good, or better than he spoke English. He was at home on both sides of the border, in rich neighborhoods and poor neighborhoods, because what Kit saw was just people."

Bramblett is set to be laid to rest on Sunday.

Article Topic Follows: Texas

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Jim Parker

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