CCP Flashcards
Explain Due Course of Law 1.04
No TX Citizen shall be deprived of life, liberty property, privileges or immunities or in any manner disfranchised except by due course of the law of the land.
Explain Rights of the Accused 1.05
Right to speedy public trial
Not compelled to give evidence against yourself
Shall be confronted with witnesses against him
Compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his FAVOR
No person shall be held to answer for a felony UNLESS on indictment of a grand jury.
What is an Indictment and who is it issued by/for?
A charging instrument for a FELONY issued by the Grand Jury.
What is an Information and who is it issued by/for?
A charging instrument for a MISDEMEANOR issued by the Prosecuting Attorney (DA)
What is a NO BILL?
It’s OVER. No charges.
Can a GRAND JURY issue an INFORMATION?
Yes, if FELONY gets downgraded to a MISDEMEANOR.
When do you have a right to a court-appointed attorney?
Yes. If you’re INDIGENT and ONLY when jail time is possible.
Who has to prove the suspect is INDIGENT?
The SUSPECT has to prove it.
Who has RIGHT TO BAIL?
All prisoners UNLESS FOR CAPITAL OFFENSES when the proof is evident.
What is a Bench Trial?
A trial without a jury. (The Judge decides)
What is an EXAMINING COURT?
When the magistrate sits for the purpose of inquiring into a criminal accusation against any person. (IE: Any time a judge is looking at anything having to do with a crime or criminal)
What 2 duties must you (or your agency) do in the case of arresting somebody using someone else’s identity?
- Contact the victim and advise him, and also tell him he can contact DPS for remedy.
- Contact DPS and advise them.
How long does TX have to get an attorney for an indigent?
3 days, unless in a county with over 250,000. Then it’s 1 day.
How many days does appointed counsel get to prepare for a proceeding?
10 days
May a defendant waive in writing the right to counsel?
Yes, but must be advised of the dangers/disadvantages of not having counsel.
If the defendant changes his mind and wants counsel, what are the effects?
Trial court may in its discretion provide 10 days for new counsel to prepare, but any proceeding held previously without counsel shall not be repeated.
1.06 Search and Seizure. Describe.
People shall be secure in their persons, houses, papers and possessions from all unreasonable searches. Warrant must be detailed and specific, and must have probable cause supported by oath/affirmation.
1.07 Right to Bail
All prisoners are bailable unless for capital offenses when proof is evident.
1.08 Is Habeas Corpus allowed to be taken away?
No. A Habeas Corpus is a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge/court, primarily for the purpose of securing release, and shall never be suspended.
1.09 Describe Cruelty Forbidden.
No excessive bail or fines; no cruel/unusual punishment.
1.10 What is Jeopardy?
Cant be tried twice for same crime.
1.11 What is Acquttal a Bar?
Acquttal exempts from second trial for same offense BUT may be tried again if originally tried in a court with no jurisdiction.
1.13 When can a prisoner NOT waive his right to trial by jury?
When it’s a capital felony case and the state notifies the court that it will seek the death penalty.
1.16 Liberty of Speech and Press
You have right to speak write or publish opinion, but can be held liable for abuse of that privilege.
1.20 What is required to be convicted of treason?
Tesimony of two witnesses to same overt act OR confession in open court.
1.21 What is privilege of legislators?
Except for treason, felony or breach of peace, cannot be arrested during session of Legislature and going to/from same, allowing for 1 day per every 20 miles he resides from where Legislature convenes.
1.23 What is Dignity of State regarding writs?
All start with “The State of Texas” and end with “in the name and by authority of the State of Texas.”
1.27 When does common law happen?
In unusual case where CCP doesn’t cover an item.
2.09 Who are magistrates and what is their duty?
Supreme Court Justices; judges. Duty is to preserve the peace; issue processes to aid in preventing crime; cause arrests of offenders and ensure they may be brought to punishment.
2.11 What is an Examining Court?
When a magistrate sits for purpose of inquiring into a criminal accusation against any person.
2.12 What are PEACE OFFICERS?
Sheriffs & deputies; constables & deputies; marshals and police officers; Rangers & DPS; DA Investigators; TABC officers; government arson investigating units; Security Officers, Water Control and Improvement District officers.
2.13 What is the duty of a PEACE OFFICER?
Preserve the peace within the officer’s jurisdiction by
- interfering without warrant to prevent or suppress crime
- execute all lawful process issued to the officer by magistrate
- give notice to some magistrates about all offenses committed within the officer’s jurisdiction
- arrest offenders without warrant where officer is authorized by law in order to take before magistrate to be tried.
- Duty of EVERY OFFICER to take possession of a child in danger (63.009)
2.132 Is Racial Profiling allowed?
NEVER!
2.16 What is punishment for neglecting to execute process?
Fine for contempt and not less than $10 or more than $200.
Who is the Conservator of the Peace?
The Sheriff.
59.02 Describe Forfeiture of Contraband?
Property that is contraband is subject to seizure and forfeiture. Any property that is contraband OTHER than property being held as evidence may be recovered by the owner.
Which courts have CRIMINAL JURISDICTION?
Court of Criminal Appeals; Courts of appeals; District Courts; Criminal District Courts; County courts, Justice Courts; Municipal Courts
What is the jurisdiction of the Courts of Appeals?
Appellate jurisdiction coextensive with the limits of their respective districts in all criminal cases EXCEPT those where the death penalty has been assessed.
What is the jurisdiction of the Court of Criminal Appeals?
The whole state. ALL Death Penalty cases.
What is the jurisdiction of District Courts?
Original jurisdiction in all criminal felony cases, all misdemeanors involving official misconduct, and all misdemeanor cases transferred to the district court.
What is the jurisdiction of the County Courts?
Original jurisdiction of all misdemeanors of which original jurisdiction is not given to the justice court and when fine shall NOT EXCEED $500.
What is the jurisdiction of JUSTICE Courts?
Original jurisdiction of all criminal cases punishable by FINE ONLY; TABC violations.
What is the jurisdiction of Municipal Courts?
Exclusive original jurisdiction within municipal territory that arise under ordinances punishable by a fine not to exceed $2000 for fire, safety, zoning, public health or sanitation, or $500 for all other cases.
What are the duties of officers related to family violence prevention?
SERIOUS!! Responding officer SHALL protect the victim without regard to relationship between alleged offender and victim.
14.03 When can an officer arrest without warrant?
When a felony or a threat against peace is committed in his view OR if a magistrate verbally orders the arrest for witnessing a felony or threat against peace. Also:
- may arrest those found in suspicious places and under circumstances which reasonably show they may have been guilty of some felony or about to commit some offense against the laws
- Persons the officer has probable cause to believe committed assault resulting in bodily injury and he believes there is danger of further bodily injury to that person.
- If violation of protective order and the officer has probable cause to believe it occurred.
- Persons the officer has probable cause to believe committed a family violence offense.
- Persons the officer have probable cause to believe prevented/interfered with emergency phone call.
- Person who makes statement to officer that establishes probable cause the person has committed a felony.
- SHALL arrest if protective order violation has occurred IN PRESENCE OF OFFICER.
1.05 Explain the Rights of the Accused?
- Speedy Public Trial
- Not compelled to give evidence against himself.
- Confront witnesses against him
- Compulsory process for obtaining favorable witnesses
- Can’t be held to answer for FELONY unless indicted by Grand Jury.
1.051 How long until an indigent must be assigned counsel?
No later than 3 days after requesting counsel; 1 day in counties containing more than 250,000 people.
1.14 Can a defendant waive his rights?
Yes. Except in case of Capital Felony, he may only waive right to jury trial if STATE consents to this in writing & in open court.
1.141: May a defendant waive indictment for non-capital felony?
YES, in which case he will charged by information.
1.15 Does a felony defendant have a right to jury trial?
YES. No defendant may be convicted BUT by jury unless he has waived his right to jury trial.
1.18: What is Outlawry and Transportation Out of State and may this be used against anybody?
Outlawry is banishment from the state, and is not allowed, nor is transportation out of state for any offense committed in Texas.
1.17: Religion - what must one do regarding oath in open court?
All oaths must be taken to that which is most binding on the conscience.
1.24 Describe the concept of Public Trial?
The proceedings and trials of all courts shall be public.
1.25 Describe concept of “Confronted by Witnesses”?
A defendant in a trial shall be confronted by witnesses in his trial, unless by deposition.
1.27 What must law fall upon in unusual cases where there is no previous case law or rule of procedure?
Common Law
2.121 What are Railroad Peace Officers?
Aid law enforcement agencies in the protection of railroad property and the protection of the persons and property of railroad passengers and employees.
2.122 What are Special Investigators?
Federal Agents such as FBI, Secret Service, ATF, etc. that are police officers but NOT Peace Officers. They have different duties/obligations.
2.123 What are Adjunct Police Officers?
College police officers.
2.124 Are Peace Officers from adjoining states considered Texas PEACE officers?
No, unless they are transporting a prisoner to/from a Texas hospital or mental facility.
2.125 What are Special Rangers?
DPS may appoint up to 50 Special Rangers who work for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. They are responsible for investigation of livestock theft or related property.
2.126 Is the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribe authorized to have Peace Officers?
Yes, to enforce state law within the boundaries of the reservation.
2.13 What are the duties of a peace officer?
Primary: PRESERVE THE PEACE within jurisdiction. Also
1. Interfere without warrant to prevent or suppress crime.
2. Execute lawful warrants
3. Give notice to some magistrate of all offenses committed in jurisdiction
4. Arrest offenders without warrant in each case where authorized by law to be taken before magistrate/court and tried.
It is the DUTY of every officer to take possession of a child under Article 63.009.
2.16 What is punishment for neglecting to execute process?
Fine for Contempt ($10 to $200)
2.17 Who is the Conservator of the Peace?
Sheriff
2.18 Who is responsible for ensuring a prisoner is committed to jail?
Sheriff
2.20 Who may perform duties on behalf of the Sheriff?
Deputies or, if no sheriff, officers under the law.
2.27 What act is of the HIGHEST PRIORITY?
Response to Child Abuse/Neglect.
2.27 In the event of a report by Dept. of Families and Protective Services, how quickly must the local law enforcement agency accompany the department investigator in response to the report?
No later than 24 hours!
2.271 Explain Investigation of Certain Reports Alleging Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation (tip: old folks)
Appropriate local law enforcement agency SHALL investigate the report as required by Health and Safety Code.
2.28 What are duties upon misused identity?
- Notify person that identifying information was used by another person arrested and advise them to contact the DPS.
- Contact DPS to advise them.
2.29 If a victim reports their ID was fraudulently used, what action are you required to do?
Take a report to include:
- name of victim,
- name of suspect,
- type of information obtained, possessed, transferred or used.
- results of any investigation
2.30 What must you include in a report in which you investigated, under Section 22:
Assault Aggrevated Assault Sexual Assault Aggrevated Sexual Assault Terroristic Threat
(1) the names of the suspect and complainant;
(2) the date, time, and location of the incident;
(3) any visible or reported injuries;
(4) a description of the incident and a statement of its disposition; and
(5) whether the suspect is a member of the state military forces or is serving in the armed forces of the United States in an active-duty status.
3.05 What is Racial Profiling?
A law enforcement initiated action based on individual’s race, ethnicity, or national origin rather than their behavior or on info identifying them as having engaged in criminal activity. THIS IS ILLEGAL! DO NOT EVER DO THIS!!
2.132: Describe Law Enforcement Policy on Racial Profiling
Each police agency shall adopt policy which:
- defines racial profiling
- strictly prohibits it
- implements a process for complaints related to this
- provides public education related to complaint process
- requires appropriate corrective action if it occurs.
- requires info related to race of individual detained, if search was conducted and if search was consensual
- requires if officer knew race BEFORE detaining