Bill Text: TX HB2679 | 2013-2014 | 83rd Legislature | Enrolled


Bill Title: Relating to permitting an alternative plea for a defendant detained in jail pending trial for a Class C misdemeanor.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2013-06-14 - Effective on 9/1/13 [HB2679 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-HB2679-Enrolled.html
 
 
  H.B. No. 2679
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to permitting an alternative plea for a defendant detained
  in jail pending trial for a Class C misdemeanor.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article 45.023, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Art. 45.023.  DEFENDANT'S PLEA. (a)  After the jury is
  impaneled, or after the defendant has waived trial by jury, the
  defendant may:
               (1)  plead guilty or not guilty;
               (2)  enter a plea of nolo contendere; or
               (3)  enter the special plea of double jeopardy as
  described by Article 27.05.
         (b)  If a defendant is detained in jail before trial, the
  justice or judge may permit the defendant to enter any of the pleas
  described by Subsection (a).
         (c)  If a defendant who is detained in jail enters a plea of
  guilty or nolo contendere, the justice or judge may, after
  complying with Article 15.17 and advising the defendant of the
  defendant's right to trial by jury, as appropriate:
               (1)  accept the defendant's plea;
               (2)  assess a fine, determine costs, and accept payment
  of the fine and costs;
               (3)  give the defendant credit for time served;
               (4)  determine whether the defendant is indigent; or
               (5)  discharge the defendant.
         (d)  Notwithstanding Article 45.037, following a plea of
  guilty or nolo contendere entered under Subsection (b), a motion
  for new trial must be made not later than 10 days after the
  rendition of judgment and sentence, and not afterward. The justice
  or judge shall grant a motion for new trial made under this
  subsection.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2679 was passed by the House on May 8,
  2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not
  voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 2679 was passed by the Senate on May
  22, 2013, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate    
  APPROVED:  _____________________
                     Date          
   
            _____________________
                   Governor       
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