Texas Crime Victims Want More Say in Courtrooms
Document Actions
Austin, Texas – State legislators are considering a law that would permit crime victims to speak during pre-sentencing. Under current law, Texas is one of only two states to forbid victims to offer 'impact statements' until sentencing is complete. That means those who have been affected by a criminal, such as a rapist or a motorist driving while intoxicated in Texas, have little influence on the penalties handed down by the judge or jury.
Victims have a bill rights, access to a compensation fund and the right to speak to a defendant in the courtroom. Written statements may be submitted at any time though oral statements are not recorded by a court reporter or entered into the official court record. Defendants are allowed to have friends and family speak to the court before sentencing.
House Bill 167 would allow oral victim impact statements before sentencing. The intent is to make the victim more active in the legal process, rather than being limited to a witness. It would allow victims to let the courtroom know the human cost and suffering associated with the crime.
