Texas House Bill HB662

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/20/16

Caption

Relating to a credit toward payment of costs for a defendant confined in jail or other facility before sentencing.

Impact

The implementation of HB 662 affects how costs imposed on defendants are managed within the existing criminal justice framework in Texas. By allowing credits for pre-sentencing incarceration, the bill seeks to create a more equitable system for defendants who may face substantial financial penalties in addition to any criminal sentencing. This legislation could potentially lessen the financial strain on individuals waiting for trial, as their time spent in custody could directly offset their financial obligations stemming from their case.

Summary

House Bill 662 proposes an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically to Article 42.03, to introduce a financial credit system for defendants who are incarcerated prior to sentencing. Under this bill, judges would grant defendants a credit towards their court costs, calculated at a rate of $100 per day for each day of confinement before sentencing. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by defendants during pre-sentencing detention.

Contention

While the bill is structured to provide relief, it may spark discussions regarding its financial implications for the justice system as a whole. Critics could argue that offering financial credits for jail time could have unintended effects on the budgeting of local jurisdictions. Additionally, questions may arise concerning the fairness of applying such credits uniformly, especially in cases where the severity of the charge may not align with the pre-sentencing detention period. Thus, stakeholders will need to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks of the proposed changes to existing law.