Texas Statutes
Subchapter J. Required Notifications by Attorney Representing the State
Article 56A.451. Notification of Rights

(1) the case number and assigned court for the case;
(2) a brief general statement of each procedural stage in the processing of a criminal case, including bail, plea bargaining, parole restitution, and appeal;
(3) suggested steps the victim may take if the victim is subjected to threats or intimidation;
(4) the name, address, and phone number of the local victim assistance coordinator; and
(5) notification of:
(A) the rights and procedures under this chapter, Chapter 56B, and Subchapter B, Chapter 58;
(B) the right to file a victim impact statement with the office of the attorney representing the state and the department;
(C) the right to receive information regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by Chapter 56B, including information about:
(i) the costs that may be compensated under that chapter, eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under that chapter;
(ii) the payment for a forensic medical examination under Article 56A.252 for a victim of an alleged sexual assault; and
(iii) referral to available social service agencies that may offer additional assistance; and
(D) the right of a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim, as defined by Section 508.117, Government Code, to appear in person before a member of the board as provided by Section 508.153, Government Code.
(b) The brief general statement required by Subsection (a)(2) that describes the plea bargaining stage in a criminal trial must include a statement that:
(1) a victim impact statement provided by a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim will be considered by the attorney representing the state in entering into a plea bargain agreement; and
(2) the judge before accepting a plea bargain agreement is required under Article 26.13(e) to ask:
(A) whether a victim impact statement has been returned to the attorney representing the state;
(B) if a victim impact statement has been returned, for a copy of the statement; and
(C) whether the attorney representing the state has given the victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim notice of the existence and terms of the plea bargain agreement.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173), Sec. 1.05, eff. January 1, 2021.

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