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Criminal Law

For a free consultation, call (713) 780-9595

HOW ARE CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLASSIFIED?

The Texas Legislature designates criminal offenses in our state's Penal Code as misdemeanors or felonies. Based on the relative seriousness of the offense, misdemeanors and felonies are classified into the categories.

Criminal attempt is one category lower than the offense attempted. Criminal conspiracy is one category lower than the most serious felony that is the object of the conspiracy. Criminal solicitation is a first degree felony if the offense solicited is a capital felony; a second degree felony if the offense solicited is a first degree felony.

Provisions are made for enhanced (increased) punishments for repeat and habitual offenders, offenders who intentionally select the victim or property damaged or affected because of the offender's bias or prejudice against a group, and offenders who administer or provide a controlled substance to the victim to facilitate commission of the offense.

Misdemeanor and felony drug offenses are classified in the Texas Health and Safety Code based on factors including: (1) the type and amount of drug; and (2) whether the defendant manufactured, delivered, or possessed the drug. Increased punishments are provided for certain drug offenses occurring in drug-free zones and use of a child (younger than 18 years of age) in commission of the offense.

A person may not be prosecuted for or convicted of any offense committed when younger than 15 except:

• (1) perjury and aggravated perjury;
• (2) a violation under Chapter 729, Transportation Code (except if conduct could result in confinement in jail or prison);
• (3) a violation of a motor vehicle traffic ordinance of an incorporated city or town;
• (4) a fine-only misdemeanor (other than public intoxication);
• (5) violations of penal ordinances of a political subdivision;
• (6) a capital felony, an aggravated controlled substance felony, or first degree felony and the person is 14 or older when the offense is committed and is transferred from juvenile court to district court for criminal proceedings; or
• (7) a capital felony or murder and the person is 10 or older and under 17 when the offense is committed and is transferred from juvenile court to district court.

Unless the juvenile court transfers a child to district court for criminal prosecution, the child may not be prosecuted for any offense committed before age 17 except an offense described by (1)-(5) above.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CRIME IS COMMITTED?

After a crime is committed, the preliminary investigation by a law enforcement agency generally begins when responding officers arrive at the scene of the incident. Emergency matters are handled and the crime scene secured. In most cases an officer will meet with the victim in person to obtain important information concerning the crime. Witnesses are questioned. Any suspect at the scene is detained, questioned, and then released or arrested, depending on the circumstances.

Additional responsibilities during the preliminary investigation may include:

• Photographing, videotaping, measuring and sketching the scene
• Searching for evidence
• Identifying, collecting, examining, and processing physical evidence
• Recording all observations and statements in notes.

Despite a thorough preliminary investigation, many cases require a follow-up investigation to close the case, arrest an offender, and/or recover weapons or stolen property. The follow-up investigation can be conducted by the officers, who responded to the original call or, most often, by detectives.

Investigative leads that may need to be followed-up include:

• Checking the victim's background
• Determining who would benefit from the crime and who had knowledge to plan the crime
• Tracing weapons and stolen property
• Searching modus operandi (manner of operation), mug shot, and fingerprint files

Petty thefts and like misdemeanors will obviously not receive the same in-depth investigation as a major crime like murder or sexual assault.

After the law enforcement agency has completed its investigation, the case may be filed with the prosecuting attorney for review and, if appropriate, criminal prosecution.

The prosecuting attorney considers such matters as the legality of the arrest, whether certain evidence essential to the case was legally obtained, and/or whether additional investigation is required. Depending on the facts and law involved, the prosecuting attorney may:

• Accept the case for prosecution as filed
• Increase or reduce the charge filed
• file additional/different charges
• Return the case for further investigation
• Reject the case for prosecution

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS?

Each person who is:

• the victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery or who has suffered bodily injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another
• the legal guardian of the victim
• the spouse of a deceased victim at the time of the victim's death or who is a parent, adult brother, sister, or child of a deceased victim
• the victim of the delinquent conduct of a child (under 17 years of age) who has suffered a pecuniary loss or personal injury or harm is entitled to the following rights within the Texas criminal/juvenile justice process, including:
• the right to receive from law enforcement agencies adequate protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts;
• the right to have the court take the safety of the victim or his/her family into consideration as an element in fixing the amount of bail for the accused or determining whether a child should be detained before the child's conduct is adjudicated;
• the right, if requested, to be informed: (A) by the prosecutor of relevant court proceedings, including appellate proceedings, and to be informed if those proceedings have been canceled or rescheduled prior to the event; and (B) by an appellate court of decisions of the court, after the decisions are entered but before the decisions are made public;
• the right to be informed, when requested, by: (A) a peace officer concerning the defendant's right to bail and the procedures in criminal investigations and by the district attorney's office concerning the general procedures in the criminal justice process, including general procedures in guilty plea negotiations and arrangements, restitution, and the appeals and parole process; and/or (B) the court concerning the procedures in the juvenile justice process, incl uding general procedures relating to the preliminary investigation, deferred prosecution of a case, and the appeal of the case;
• the right to provide pertinent information to a probation department conducting a presentencing investigation or a juvenile court conducting a disposition hearing concerning the impact of the offense on the victim and his/her family by testimony, written statement, or any other manner prior to any sentencing of the offender or before the court renders its disposition in a juvenile proceeding;
• the right to receive information regarding compensation of crime victims as provided by subchapter B, chapter 56, Code of Criminal Procedure, including information related to the costs and the amounts that may be compensated, eligibility and procedures for application for compensation, the payment for a medical examination under Article 56.06 for a victim of a sexual assault, and when requested, to referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance;
• the right to be informed, upon request, of parole procedures or release under supervision or transfer of the offender to the custody of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, to participate in the parole process, to be notified, if requested, of parole proceedings concerning the offender, to provide to the Board of Pardons and Paroles or Texas Youth Commission for inclusion in the offender's file information to be considered by the board/commission prior to the parole or release under supervision or transfer for parole of any offender convicted of any crime subject to these provisions, and to be notified, if requested, of the offender's release or transfer for parole;
• the right to be provided with a waiting area, separate or secure from other witnesses, including the offender and the offender's relatives, before testifying in any proceeding concerning the offender; if a separate waiting area is not available, other safeguards should be taken to minimize the victim's contact with the offender and the offender's relatives and witnesses, before and during court proceedings;
• the right to prompt return of any property of the victim that is held by a law enforcement agency or the prosecutor as evidence when the property is no longer required for that purpose;
• the right to have the prosecutor notify the victim's employer, if requested, of the necessity of the victim's cooperation and testimony in a proceeding that necessitates the victim's work absence for good cause;
• the right to counseling, on request, regarding AlDS and HIV infection and testing for AlDS, HIV infection, anti-bodies to HIV, or infection with any other probable causative agent of AlDS, if the offense is an offense under Penal Code §§ 21.11(a)(I), 22.011, or 22.021;
• the right to request victim-offender mediation coordinated by the victim services division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;
• the right to be informed of the uses of a victim impact statement and its purpose in the criminal justice process, to complete the victim impact statement and to have the victim impact statement considered: (A) by the prosecutor and the judge before sentencing or before a plea bargain agreement is accepted; and (B) by the Board of Pardons and Paroles before an inmate is released on parole; and
• except as provided by Article 56.06(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, for a victim of sexual assault, the right to a forensic medical examination if the sexual assault is reported to a law enforcement agency within 96 hours of the assault.

In addition, a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is entitled to the right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, subject to the approval of the judge in the case. And the prosecutor, juvenile probation department, sheriff, police, and other law enforcement agencies shall ensure to the extent practicable that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the preceding rights and, on request, an explanation of those rights.

WHAT IS THE CRIME VICTIMS' COMPENSATION ACT?

The Crime Victims' Compensation Act (article 56.31 - article 56.64, Code of Criminal Procedure) creates a fund and establishes statutory guidelines to indemnify victims of crime and those who suffer personal injury or death as a result of criminally injurious conduct or in the good faith effort to prevent criminally injurious conduct, to apprehend a person reasonably suspected of having engaged in criminally injurious conduct, or to aid a peace officer. The money in the fund comes primarily from court costs and fees generated by criminal convictions. The fund is administered by the office of the Texas attorney general (1-800-983-9933).

The act provides that awards payable for pecuniary loss because of injury or death of a victim may not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate. The attorney general may award an additional $75,000 for extraordinary pecuniary losses, if the personal injury to a victim is catastrophic and results in a total and permanent disability to the victim, for lost wages and reasonable and necessary costs of: making a home or automobile accessible; obtaining job training and vocational rehabilitation; training in the use of special appliances; and receiving home health care. An application for compensation may not be filed unless the victim reports the crime to the appropriate local law enforcement agency within a reasonable time after the crime (does not apply if the victim is a child or the attorney general extends the time for extraordinary circumstances). The application must be filed with the attorney general within three years from the date of the crime unless the attorney general extends the filing time for good cause shown. If the victim is a child, the application must be filed within three years from the date the claimant or victim is made aware of the crime but not after the child is 21 years of age.

The attorney general may deny or reduce an award otherwise payable if, for example, the claimant or victim was engaging in an unlawful act, shares responsibility for the act or omission giving rise to the claim, or has not substantially cooperated with an appropriate law enforcement agency.

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES IS AN ARREST MADE?

As a general rule, a peace officer must obtain an arrest warrant before taking a person into custody. But a peace officer may arrest a person without a warrant only if: (1) there is probable cause to believe that the person committed an offense; and (2) the arrest falls within one of the exceptions specified in chapter 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. For example, article 14.01 (b) provides that a peace officer may arrest an offender without a warrant for any offense committed in the officer's presence or view.

A private citizen may arrest an offender without an arrest warrant only when: (1) the citizen has probable cause to believe an offense is being committed in his/her presence or view, and the offense is one classed as a felony or against the public peace (e.g., DWI); or (2) to prevent the consequences of theft by seizing any personal property which has been stolen and bringing it, with the offender, if the offender can be taken, before a magistrate or peace officer for examination. To justify seizure under (2), there must be reasonable ground to believe the property is stolen, and the seizure openly made and the proceedings conducted without delay.

A magistrate may issue an arrest warrant on the basis of an affidavit made by any person under oath before the magistrate, establishing probable cause to believe another person has committed an offense. The arrest warrant commands a peace officer or some other person specially named to take the body of the accused, to be dealt with according to law. A summons may be issued in any case where a warrant may be issued, and is in the same form as the warrant except that it summons the defendant to appear before a magistrate at a stated time and place. If a defendant fails to appear in response to the summons a warrant will be issued.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF THE PERSON ARRESTED?

The person making an arrest is required without unnecessary delay, but not later than 48 hours after the person is arrested, to take the person arrested before a magistrate. The magistrate is required to inform in clear language the person arrested of: (1) the accusation against the person arrested and of any affidavit filed therewith; (2) the right to retain counsel; (3) the right to remain silent; (4) the right to have an attorney present during any interview with peace officers or attorneys representing the state; (5) the right to terminate the interview at any time; (6) the right to request the appointment of counsel if the person arrested is indigent and cannot afford counsel; (7) the procedures for requesting appointment of counsel; (8) the right to have an examining trial; and (9) the person arrested is not required to make a statement and any statement made may be used against the person arrested. The magistrate is also required to allow the accused reasonable time and opportunity to consult counsel and to be admitted to bail if allowed by law.

A peace officer who is charging a person with committing an offense that is a class C misdemeanor (other than public intoxication), may, instead of taking the person before a magistrate, issue a citation (ticket) to the person that contains written notice of the time and place the person must appear before a magistrate, the name and address of the person charged, and the offense charged.

If an indigent defendant is entitled to and requests appointed counsel and if adversarial proceedings have been initiated against the defendant, counsel is required to be appointed as soon as possible, but not later than the third working day after the date on which the court or the court's designee receives the defendant's request for appointment of counsel; not later than one working day in a county with a population of 250,000 or more.

Additional rights of an accused in a criminal prosecution include: the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; the right against self-incrimination; the right to not be prosecuted for a felony unless indicted by a grand jury; the right to a copy of the accusation and a speedy trial by an impartial jury; the right to confront (cross-examine) the witnesses and to have compulsory process (subpoena) for obtaining witnesses, and the right of appeal.

The defendant in a criminal prosecution for any offense may waive any rights secured him/her by law. It should be noted, however, that in a capital felony prosecution in which the prosecutor notifies the court and the defendant that the state will seek the death penalty, the defendant does not have the right to waive trial by jury.

HOW IS A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION INITIATED?

A criminal case is prosecuted in the name of the State of Texas against the accused (defendant), and is conducted by the appropriate prosecuting attorney (prosecutor) acting under the authority of the state.

Prosecution of a class C misdemeanor in municipal or justice court is initiated by filing a complaint. A complaint is a written affidavit made by some credible person charging the defendant with the commission of an offense.

Prosecution of a class A or B misdemeanor in a county court, county court at law or county criminal court is initiated by filing an information. An information is a written statement presented in behalf of the state by the prosecutor, charging the defendant with the commission of an offense. An information must be based on a proper complaint and the complaint must be filed with the information.

A felony is prosecuted in a district court or criminal district court and an indictment (sometimes called "bill of indictment") is required unless waived by the defendant. An indictment is a written statement of a grand jury presented to a court accusing a named person of some act or omission which, by law, is declared to be an offense.

The grand jury, organized by the district judge for a set term (usually 3 to 6 months), has jurisdiction only over offenses occurring in its own county. The prosecutor is entitled to go before the grand jury and inform them of offenses liable to indictment at any time except when they are discussing or voting upon the issuance of an indictment. The grand jury determines whether there is sufficient evidence to require the accused to stand trial for a criminal offense. At least 9 of the 12 grand jurors must concur to issue an indictment ("true bill") and be present when the indictment is delivered to the judge or clerk of the court (to be filed in the court's records). If the grand jury does not find sufficient evidence the case is "no-billed" and the suspect discharged. A no-bill does not bar indictment by the same or different grand jury at a later date.

When an information or indictment is filed, if the defendant is not in custody or under bond, a capias may issue. A capias is a writ issued by the court or clerk, and directed "To any peace officer of the State of Texas," commanding the officer to arrest a person accused of an offense and to bring the accused before that court immediately, or on a day or at a term stated in the writ. Instead of a capias, the prosecutor may request that a summons be issued. A summons is in the same form as a capias except that it summons the defendant to appear before the proper court at a stated time and place. If the defendant fails to appear in response to the summons a capias will be issued.

WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES BEFORE TRIAL?

The court may set any criminal case for a pre-trial hearing before it is set for trial upon its merits. The pre-trial hearing is to determine legal issues only such as: (1) arraignment of the defendant, if such be necessary; (2) appointment of counsel to represent the defendant, if such be necessary; (3) motions for change of venue; (4) motions for continuance; (5) defense motions to discover the state's evidence in the case; (6) defense motions to suppress (exclude) evidence; and (7) any other defense motion. These matters are decided by the judge; sometimes the defense and/or prosecution present evidence and/or witness testimony.

HOW ARE CRIMINAL CASES RESOLVED?

Plea Bargaining

The disposition of criminal charges by agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant, under judicial supervision, is called "plea bargaining." In exchange for the defendant pleading guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) and waiving the right of trial by jury, the prosecutor recommends a specific punishment which the judge can follow or reject. If the judge rejects the agreement, the defendant is permitted to withdraw his/her plea. If the judge follows the agreement, the defendant must obtain the judge's permission before the defendant may appeal any matter in the case except matters raised by written motions filed prior to trial. The defendant usually waives the right of appeal as part of the plea bargain. The vast majority of all criminal cases are resolved by plea bargaining.

Nonnegotiated Guilty Plea (Open Plea)

A defendant may plead guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge without an agreement with the prosecutor as to the punishment the prosecutor will recommend. The judge has the responsibility to assess the punishment applicable to the offense unless the defendant requests that a jury assess punishment. This is called a "nonnegotiated guilty plea" or "pleading open to the court." The defendant retains the right to appeal, but nonjurisdictional defects occurring prior to the entry of the plea may have been waived.

Trial

The Texas Constitution guarantees the accused in all criminal prosecutions the right to a trial by jury. The defendant may waive trial by jury and proceed with trial to the court (judge) with the consent and approval of the judge and the prosecutor in any criminal prosecution except a capital felony in which the prosecutor notifies the court and the defendant that the state will seek the death penalty.

A criminal trial before a jury (sometimes called a "petit jury") proceeds as follows:

• The jury is impaneled following voir dire examination and any challenges for cause or peremptory challenges.
• The information or indictment is read to the jury.
• The defendant enters his/her plea.
• Opening statements may be made by each side.
• The testimony on the part of the state is offered.
• The testimony on the part of the defense is offered.
• Rebutting testimony may be offered by each side.
• The court's written charge setting forth the law applicable in the case is read to the jury.
• Attorneys for each side argue their case to the jury.
• The jury deliberates.
  • If the jury finds the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the offense charged (or a lesser included offense), the trial proceeds to the punishment phase.
  • A not guilty verdict ends the trial and discharges the defendant.
  • If the jury is unable to agree to a unanimous verdict, a mistrial or "hung jury" occurs and the jury is discharged. The case may be retried at a later date.

The judge assesses punishment unless the defendant requests the jury to assess punishment or the state seeks the death penalty in a capital felony.

The judge may be required to direct a supervision (probation) officer to prepare a presentence investigation report. Testimony concerning the circumstances of the offense may be considered by the judge or jury in determining the punishment to be assessed. Victim impact evidence (e.g., degree of physical or emotional injury to the victim) may be admissible as a circumstance of the offense if the evidence has some bearing on the defendant's personal responsibility and moral guilt. Evidence is also admissible concerning the defendant's prior criminal record, his/her general reputation and character, and any other evidence of an extraneous crime or bad act shown beyond a reasonable doubt to have been committed by the defendant.

If the jury has the responsibility of assessing the punishment, the judge will give additional instructions as necessary and the order of procedure is the same as on the issue of guilt or innocence.

If the jury fails to agree to a unanimous verdict on punishment, a mistrial is declared only in the punishment phase of the trial and the jury discharged. The court shall impanel another jury as soon as practicable to determine the issue of punishment.

Prior to the imposition of sentence by the court, if the court has received a victim impact statement it must consider the information provided in the statement.

Before sentencing the defendant, the court is required to permit the defendant or his/her counsel a reasonable time to read the statement, comment on the statement, and, with the approval of the court, introduce testimony or other information alleging a factual inaccuracy in the statement.

After sentence is pronounced, the court shall allow the victim, close relative of a deceased victim, or guardian of a victim to appear in person to present to the court and to the defendant a statement of the person's views about the offense, the defendant, and the effect of the offense on the victim.

Dismissal

The prosecutor may, with the consent of the judge, dismiss a criminal case.

Common reasons for dismissal include:

• insufficient evidence - for example, after indictment trial preparation reveals a fatal lack of evidence such that the court would instruct a verdict for the defendant;
• crucial evidence is suppressed (excluded) because of an illegal arrest or search;
• the case is re-filed to correct mistakes in the information or indictment or to better plead the case;
• at the request of the victim;
• the defendant pleads guilty to other offenses;
• the defendant has never been arrested; and/or
• necessary witnesses cannot be located.

WHAT ARE THE PLACES OF CONFINEMENT?

Local correctional facilities designated by law for the confinement of persons include:

• municipal (city) jails - generally hold arrested persons until either bonded or transferred to county jails;
• county jails - hold defendants awaiting trial or transfer to prison, or confined for misdemeanor punishment or a condition or violation of a community supervision; and
• community corrections facilities - such as restitution centers, boot camps, and substance abuse treatment facilities.

The institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates and manages the state prison system with more than 100 facilities located across the state, including:

• transfer facilities - hold defendants awaiting transfer to prison;
• boot camps - for first time felony (except state jail) offenders (age 17-25) using a regimented program similar to military boot camps;
• state jail facilities - for defendants convicted of state jail (4th degree) felonies;
• substance abuse felony punishment facilities (SAFPFs);
• psychiatric and minimum, medium, and maximum security units (prisons) for inmates convicted of capital, 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree felonies, and inmates awaiting execution; and
• private prisons - serve as prerelease centers for prisoners awaiting release on parole.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY SUPERVISION?

Community supervision, formerly called "probation," means that the defendant is released into the community under certain conditions set by the court and subject to court supervision. The maximum period of community supervision is ten years in a felony case; two years in a misdemeanor case (three years if extended by the judge). However, if the offense is indecency with a child, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault, the judge may extend the period of supervision for a period not to exceed 10 additional years. And the judge may extend the period in a misdemeanor case not to exceed an additional two years beyond the limit to pay the fine, costs, or restitution.

Basic conditions of community supervision include, for example, that the defendant:

• commit no criminal offense;
• report to the supervision officer as directed;
• permit the supervision officer to visit at the defendant's home or elsewhere;
• work faithfully at suitable employment and support his/her dependents;
• remain within a specified place; and
• pay restitution to the victim and any fine assessed and all court costs. Defendants placed on community supervision are supervised by community supervision officers, formerly called "probation officers."

A defendant's eligibility for community supervision depends on factors including:

• the type of community supervision;
• the offense involved;
• whether the defendant used or exhibited a deadly weapon or knew that a deadly weapon would be used or exhibited;
• whether the defendant has previously been convicted of a felony offense or placed on community supervision;
• whether the judge or jury sets the defendant's punishment; and
• whether the defendant is sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding ten years.

One type of community supervision is a regular community supervision. The defendant is convicted and given a term of confinement which the judge immediately suspends and then places the defendant on community supervision.

In a deferred adjudication community supervision, after receiving the defendant's plea of guilty or nolo contendere, hearing the evidence, and finding that it substantiates the defendant's guilt, the judge defers further proceedings without entering an adjudication of guilt and places the defendant on community supervision. Unlike the other types of community supervision, if the defendant successfully completes the supervision period, the judge is required to dismiss the proceedings and discharge the defendant. However, if the defendant violates a condition of the deferred adjudication community supervision, the defendant may not appeal the court's decision to proceed with the adjudication of guilt on the original charge.

Finally, in a continuing jurisdiction community supervision (formerly called "shock probation") or state boot camp program, the defendant is convicted and given a sentence requiring confinement. After serving a set period of confinement, the judge may suspend further execution of the sentence and place the defendant on community supervision.

At any time during the period of any community supervision, the prosecutor may file a motion to revoke and the judge may issue a warrant for violation of any of the conditions of the supervision and cause the defendant to be arrested and held without bond until a hearing within 20 days after demand. The state must prove by a preponderance of the evidence (greater weight and degree of credible evidence) that the defendant violated the conditions of the community supervision. After a hearing without a jury, the judge may either continue, extend, modify or revoke the community supervision or, in a deferred adjudication community supervision, proceed to adjudication. In a deferred adjudication, the judge may assess the full range of punishment prescribed for the offense; if it is one of the other types of community supervision, the judge may not go beyond the original term of confinement. No part of the time that the defendant is on community supervision shall be considered as any part of the time that he/she shall be sentenced to serve.

WHAT IS AN APPEAL?

An appeal generally occurs after a conviction when the defendant requests a higher (appellate) court to determine whether errors were committed in the trial that require a retrial or acquittal. The decision of the appellate court is made without a jury.

• If the case is affirmed, then the sentence must be served;
• if the court finds error that beyond a reasonable doubt contributed to the conviction or punishment, the case is reversed and a new trial or punishment hearing may be ordered.
• Sometimes, though rarely, a case may be reversed and the defendant ordered acquitted, that is, set free (e.g., state failed to provide sufficient evidence of guilt).

The state is entitled to appeal a limited number of orders of a court in a criminal case. For example, the state may appeal an order:

• dismissing all or any portion of an indictment or information;
• granting a new trial; or
• granting a defendant's pre-trial motion to exclude evidence or a confession.

The state may not appeal from a judge's decision or jury's verdict finding a defendant not guilty of an offense.

WHAT IS PAROLE?

Parole is a system by which a prisoner earns the privilege to be released from prison prior to completing the full sentence. A prisoner may earn time off his/her sentence through the award of good conduct time. Prison authorities may award good conduct time to a prisoner who exhibits good behavior, diligence in carrying out prison work assignments, and attempts rehabilitation. If a prisoner engages in misconduct, prison authorities may also take away all or part of any good conduct time earned by the prisoner.

A prisoner under sentence of death is not eligible for parole.

A prisoner serving a life sentence for a capital felony committed on or after September 1, 2005, is not eligible for parole.

If a prisoner is serving a life sentence for a capital felony committed on or after September 1, 1993, the prisoner is not eligible for release on parole until the actual calendar time the prisoner has served, without consideration of good conduct time, equals 40 calendar years; it is one-half of the maximum sentence or 30 calendar years, whichever is less, if the trial court enters an affirmative finding that the prisoner used or exhibited a deadly weapon or knew that a deadly weapon would be used or exhibited, or the prisoner is serving a sentence for murder, indecency with a child, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery, or sexual assault.

In most other cases prisoners may be eligible for release on parole when their calendar time served plus good conduct time equals one-fourth of the maximum sentence or 15 years, whichever is less.

The decision whether to grant parole is made by the pardons and paroles division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (512/406-5250; for victims only 1-800-848-4284). A prisoner released on parole remains under the division's supervision and control subject to conditions much like a defendant placed on community supervision (e.g., report to a parole officer as directed; pay restitution to the victim).

ARE JUVENILES TREATED DIFFERENTLY?

There are significant differences in the procedures used to process juvenile and adult offenders. Despite the procedural differences and the considerable discretion associated with juvenile proceedings, juveniles have many of the rights and protections provided defendants in adult criminal proceedings.

Each county's juvenile board (county judge, district judges, and judges of any statutory courts designated as a juvenile court) is required to designate one or more district, criminal district, domestic relations, juvenile, county courts or county courts at law as the juvenile court. The juvenile court has exclusive original jurisdiction over proceedings under the Juvenile Justice Code (Title 3, chapters 51-61, Family Code) involving children between the ages of 10 and under 17, and children who are between 17 and under 18, but who committed offenses before becoming 17.

Venue is in

• the county in which the alleged delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision occurred; or
• the county in which the child resides at the time the petition is filed, but only if:
  • the child was under probation supervision at the time of the conduct;
  • it cannot be determined in which county the conduct occurred; or
  • the county where the child resides agrees in writing to accept the case for prosecution.

A law enforcement officer who takes a child into custody may dispose of the case without referral to juvenile court, if:

• guidelines for such disposition have been approved by the juvenile board of the county in which the disposition is made;
• the disposition is authorized by the guidelines; and
• the officer makes a written report of the disposition to the law enforcement agency, identifying the child and specifying the grounds for believing that the taking into custody was authorized.

If the case or child is referred to juvenile court, a person authorized by the court (usually someone from the juvenile probation department) is required to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the person referred to juvenile court is a child under the Juvenile Justice Code and there is probable cause to believe the person engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision. If it is determined that the person is not a child or there is no probable cause, the person shall immediately be released.

Each county is required to provide a suitable place of detention for children, separated by sight and sound from any adults detained in the same building. When a child is taken into custody, if the child is not released a detention hearing without a jury shall be held within two working days after the child is taken into custody; the next working day if the child is detained on a Friday or Saturday.

The child may be detained if:

• the child is likely to abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court;
• suitable supervision, care, or protection for the child is not being provided by a parent, guardian, custodian, or other person;
• the child has no parent, guardian, custodian, or other person able to return him/her to the court when required;
• the child may be dangerous to himself/herself or he/she may threaten the safety of the public if released; or
• the child has previously been found to be a delinquent child or has previously been convicted of a penal offense punishable by a term in jail or prison and is likely to commit an offense if released.

A detention order extends to the conclusion of the disposition hearing, if there is one, but in no event for more than 10 working days. Further detention orders may be made following subsequent detention hearings.

If a preliminary investigation results in a determination that further proceedings in the case are authorized, the designated officer of the court may, subject to the direction of the juvenile court, advise the parties for a reasonable period of time not to exceed six months concerning deferred prosecution and rehabilitation of the child if:

• deferred prosecution would be in the interest of the public and the child;
• the child and his parent, guardian, or custodian consent with knowledge that consent is not obligatory; and
• the child and his parent, guardian, or custodian are informed that they may terminate the deferred prosecution at any point and petition the court for a court hearing in the case.

A juvenile court may, on petition filed by the prosecuting attorney, waive its exclusive original jurisdiction and transfer a child to the appropriate district court or criminal district court for criminal proceedings if:

• the child is alleged to have committed a felony;
• the child was:
  • 14 years of age or older at the time he/she is alleged to have committed the offense, if the offense is a capital felony, an aggravated controlled substance felony, or a felony of the first degree, and no adjudication hearing has been conducted concerning that offense; or
  • 15 years of age or older at the time he/she is alleged to have committed the offense, if the offense is a felony of the second or third degree or a state jail felony, and no adjudication hearing has been conducted concerning that offense; and
• after a full investigation and a hearing, the juvenile court determines that there is probable cause to believe that the child committed the offense alleged and that because of the seriousness of the offense alleged or the background of the child the welfare of the community requires criminal proceedings.

If the juvenile court waives jurisdiction and transfers the child for criminal proceedings, he/she shall be dealt with as an adult and in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. However, no person may be punished by death for an offense committed while younger than 18 years.

If the juvenile court does not transfer the child for adult criminal proceedings, the juvenile court may, on petition of the prosecuting attorney, conduct an adjudication hearing. Trial shall be by jury unless waived by the child and his/her attorney. If the judge or jury does not find beyond a reasonable doubt that the child engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision, the court shall dismiss the case. If the finding is that the child did engage in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision, the court shall conduct a disposition hearing.

At the disposition hearing, if the judge or jury does not find that the child is in need of rehabilitation or the protection of the public or the child requires that disposition be made, the court shall dismiss the child and enter a final judgment without any disposition.

If the judge or jury finds that the child is in need of rehabilitation or the protection of the public or the child requires that disposition be made:

• the judge or jury may place the child on probation for any period, except that the probation may not extend to or after the child's 18th birthday;
• if the judge or jury finds at the adjudication hearing that the child engaged in delinquent conduct that is a felony or a misdemeanor and he/she has a prior felony or two prior misdemeanors, and if the petition was not approved by the grand jury under section 53.045, Family Code, the court may commit the child to the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) without a determinate sentence;
• if the judge or jury found at the conclusion of the adjudication hearing that the child engaged in delinquent conduct that included a violent offense listed under section 53.045(a), Family Code, and if the petition was approved by the grand jury under section 53.045, Family Code, the judge or jury may sentence the child to commitment in the Texas Youth Commission with a possible transfer to the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of confinement of not more than:
  • 40 years for a capital felony, first degree felony, or an aggravated controlled substance felony;
  • 20 years for a second degree felony; or
  • 10 years for a third degree felony;
• the judge may assign the child appropriate sanctions under section 59.003, Family Code; or
• if applicable, the judge or jury may make a disposition for habitual felony conduct under section 54.04(m) of the Family Code.

A court may issue an order against a child to protect a victim of the child's conduct who, because of the victim's participation in the juvenile justice process, risks further harm by the child. In the order, the court may prohibit the child from doing specified acts or require the child to do specified acts necessary or appropriate to prevent or reduce the likelihood of further harm to the victim by the child.

An appeal from an order of a juvenile court is to a court of appeals, and the case may be carried to the Texas Supreme Court (unlike adult criminal appeals which may be carried to the Court of Criminal Appeals).

ARE COURT PROCEEDINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?

Grand jury proceedings are secret and consequently closed to the public.

The proceedings and trials in all courts are public.

However, the court may exclude the public from juvenile hearings for:

• good cause shown; or
• if the child is under the age of 14 at the time of the hearing, the court shall close the hearing to the public unless the court finds that the interests of the child or the interests of the public would be better served by opening the hearing to the public.

A court may order witnesses excluded from the courtroom under "the rule" so that they cannot hear the testimony of other witnesses.

Witnesses may not converse with each other or with any other person about the case, except the lawyers involved in the case.

Witnesses cannot read, watch or listen to any report of or comment upon the testimony in the case while the trial is being conducted. This rule does not authorize exclusion of the victim, unless the victim is to testify and the court determines that the victim's testimony would be materially affected if the victim hears other testimony at the trial.

WHAT COURTS HANDLE CRIMINAL CASES?

A municipal court (sometimes called "city" or "corporation" court) has exclusive original jurisdiction within the territorial limits of the municipality in all criminal cases that:

• arise under the ordinances of the municipality; and
• are punishable by a fine not to exceed:
  • $2,000 in all cases arising under municipal ordinances that govern fire safety, zoning, or public health and sanitation, including dumping of refuse; or
  • $500 in all other cases arising under a municipal ordinance.

The municipal court has concurrent jurisdiction with the justice court of a precinct in which the municipality is located in all criminal cases arising under state law that:

• arise within the territorial limits of the municipality and are punishable by fine only; or
• arise under chapter 106 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, and do not include confinement as an authorized sanction.

Justice courts (justices of the peace) have original jurisdiction in criminal cases:

• punishable by fine only; or
• punishable by:
  • a fine; and
  • as authorized by statute, a sanction not consisting of confinement or imprisonment that is rehabilitative or remedial in nature.

The county courts, county courts at law and county criminal courts have original jurisdiction of all misdemeanors of which exclusive original jurisdiction is not given to the justice court, and when the fine to be imposed exceeds $500.

The county courts also have appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases of which justice courts and other inferior courts have original jurisdiction; these appeals (except from municipal courts of record) are by trial de novo (the case is tried anew or again as if there had been no prior trial).

District courts and criminal district courts have original jurisdiction in criminal cases of the grade of felony, of all misdemeanors involving official misconduct, and of misdemeanor cases transferred to the district court under article 4.17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (when the county judge is not a licensed attorney).

Courts of appeals have appellate jurisdiction within the territorial limits of their respective districts which includes:

• direct appeals from all criminal cases tried in district courts and county courts, except cases in which the death penalty was assessed; and
• criminal cases from county courts which have been appealed from justice or municipal courts where the fine imposed exceeds $100, or the sole issue is the constitutionality of the statute or ordinance on which the conviction is based.

The state is divided into fourteen courts of appeals districts with a court of appeals in each district.

The Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin is our state's highest court for criminal matters - it has final appellate and review jurisdiction in criminal cases within the territorial limits of the state, and its determinations are final.

The appeal of all cases in which the death penalty has been assessed go directly to the Court of Criminal Appeals, and it may review any decision of a court of appeals in a criminal case.