Texas House Bill HB2973

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a defendant's payment of costs associated with a court-appointed counsel.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2973 will significantly alter the process for determining a defendant's financial obligation concerning legal costs. Judges will have the authority to amend orders regarding payment amounts during a defendant’s sentence or community supervision. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies that a defendant cannot be penalized through extended community supervision solely for the purpose of collecting these legal fees. This shift emphasizes a more compassionate approach to financial responsibilities tied to criminal convictions, aligning with ongoing efforts to ensure fair treatment of indigent defendants.

Summary

House Bill 2973 aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure relating to a defendant's responsibility for paying the costs associated with court-appointed counsel. It specifically targets defendants who demonstrate a lack of financial resources to pay for legal services either at the time of sentencing or subsequently during their community supervision. The bill introduces provisions allowing defendants to present evidence that they can no longer afford their legal fees, enabling judges to reduce the amounts owed based on the defendants' current financial capabilities.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 2973 highlight various points of contention, primarily concerned with financial equity within the justice system. Proponents argue that the bill represents a critical reform to protect the rights of low-income defendants who are often burdened with legal fees they cannot pay. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the potential implications for judicial resources and the enforcement of legal fee collections. Additionally, there are discussions about the possible impact on accountability measures within the judicial system, as creating more lenient payment structures could affect the provision of legal services for future defendants.