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House Bill 2679 |
House Author: Guillen |
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Effective: 9-1-13 |
Senate Sponsor: Rodriguez |
House Bill 2679 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to authorize a justice or judge of a justice or municipal court to permit a defendant who is detained in jail to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or the special plea of double jeopardy. The bill authorizes the justice or judge, after complying with certain statutory duties and advising a defendant who enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere while detained in jail of the right to trial by jury, to accept the defendant's plea; assess a fine, determine costs, and accept payment of the fine and costs; give the defendant credit for time served; determine whether the defendant is indigent; or discharge the defendant, as appropriate. The bill requires a motion for new trial following a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to be made not later than 10 days after the rendition of judgment and sentence and requires the justice or judge to grant the motion.