Texas House Bill HB825

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/09
• Voted on by House: 4/21/09

Caption

Relating to prohibiting deferred adjudication community supervision for certain defendants convicted of murder.

Impact

The implications of HB 825 are significant for the state's criminal justice system, marking a shift towards harsher penalties for violent crime offenders. By prohibiting deferred adjudication for murder convictions, the bill is likely to lead to longer prison sentences for these offenders and potentially alter plea negotiations. The law would specifically apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date, which underscores the intention to enforce stricter penalties while not retroactively affecting previous convictions.

Summary

House Bill 825 seeks to amend the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure by explicitly prohibiting deferred adjudication community supervision for defendants convicted of murder. The bill aims to ensure that individuals convicted of murder, a serious and violent crime, do not have the opportunity to receive deferred adjudication, which can result in reduced penalties and eventual dismissal of charges if certain conditions are met during supervision. This change reflects a legislative intent to impose stricter consequences on those convicted of serious crimes such as murder.

Contention

The introduction of this bill may provoke various discussions about the effectiveness of deferred adjudication as a rehabilitative tool in the justice system. Proponents argue that murder represents an unforgivable act that should warrant the maximum legal penalties without the possibility of deferred sentencing benefits, thus prioritizing public safety. Opponents, on the other hand, may contest that eliminating deferred adjudication removes an important option for rehabilitation, suggesting that even serious offenders can benefit from second chances under specific circumstances.