Honorable Abel Herrero, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3338 by Alonzo (Relating to the appointment of counsel for indigent defendants arrested for, charged with, or taking appeal from a conviction of an assault punishable by fine only.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require justice and municipal courts to represent indigent defendants who are alleged to have committed Class C misdemeanor assaults in Penal Code Section 22.01, which are punishable by fine only. In addition, the bill would require justice and municipal court judges in each county to join with district and county court judges to develop the local procedures to provide for the appointment of counsel. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
According to the Office of Court Administration, county governments are estimated to incur additional expenses of $625,950 to provide counsel to indigent defendants in certain Class C misdemeanor assault cases. Municipal governments are estimated to incur additional expenses of $1,781,400 to provide counsel to indigent defendants in certain Class C misdemeanor assault cases.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council