Texas Senate Bill SB172

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain procedures applicable to a person arrested for an out-of-county offense.

Impact

The implementation of SB172 is significant as it alters the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly concerning how indigent defendants are treated during out-of-county arrests. The bill requires that appointed counsel be provided without unnecessary delays, enhancing the legal rights of individuals unable to afford legal representation. Furthermore, it allows for the arresting county to seek reimbursement for costs incurred in relation to the appointed counsel, establishing a financial mechanism to support the new procedures.

Summary

SB172 addresses procedures relevant to individuals arrested for offenses in a county different from the one where the warrant was issued. The bill mandates that if an indigent defendant requests appointed counsel, this must be arranged within certain prescribed timeframes regardless of their physical presence in the county issuing the warrant. This provision aims to streamline the process by which legal representation is provided to defendants who may otherwise face delays due to inter-county coordination issues.

Contention

Discussions around SB172 may reveal contention primarily in two areas: the expedited access to legal counsel and the financial implications of the reimbursement process. Critics might argue that while the bill aims to hasten legal representation, it could inadvertently create burdens on smaller or resource-limited counties required to manage reimbursement procedures efficiently. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the practical implementation of the bill and whether it will effectively address gaps in legal representation for indigent defendants.