Texas House Bill HB1644

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/09

Caption

Relating to admonishments given to a person charged with a misdemeanor.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1644 is expected to significantly impact the legal landscape surrounding misdemeanors related to family violence in Texas. Courts will be mandated to inform defendants about the potential loss of their rights to possess firearms as part of the adjudication process. This requirement looks to enhance awareness of the legal consequences that can arise from guilty pleas or convictions, aiming to deter such offenses by making potential legal repercussions more apparent to defendants.

Summary

House Bill 1644 aims to introduce specific admonishments for individuals charged with Class C misdemeanors, particularly when the offense involves family violence. The legislation amends the code of criminal procedure to ensure that individuals, including those who may be minors, receive clear notifications regarding the implications of their charges, especially as it pertains to firearm ownership. The bill emphasizes that convictions in cases of domestic violence could prohibit an individual from legally possessing firearms under federal law; this information must be communicated to the accused both in writing and orally, depending on the context of the plea being entered.

Contention

While the bill serves an important function in educating defendants on their rights and responsibilities, it may also raise concerns regarding implications for individuals involved in family disputes. Some may argue that the additional admonishments placed on defendants reflect a bias or may complicate the legal proceedings, potentially leading to unintended consequences. There may be discussions around how these new regulations will interface with existing laws and whether they might disproportionately affect specific demographics within the accused population.