(a) During the course of a criminal hearing or proceeding concerning an offense under § 21.15, Penal Code, that was committed against a child younger than 14 years of age, the court shall not make available or allow to be made available the copying or dissemination to the public property or material that constitutes or contains a visual image, as described by § 21.15(b), Penal Code, of a child younger than 14 years of age and that was seized by law enforcement based on a reasonable suspicion that an offense under that subsection has been committed.
(b) The court shall place property or material described by Subsection (a) under seal of the court on the conclusion of the hearing or proceeding.

Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 38.451

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Property: means real and personal property. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(c) The attorney representing the state shall be provided access to the property or material described by Subsection (a). In the manner provided by Article 39.151, the defendant, the defendant’s attorney, and any individual the defendant seeks to qualify to provide expert testimony at trial shall be provided access to the property or material provided by Subsection (a).
(d) A court that places property or material described by Subsection (a) under seal may issue an order lifting the seal on a finding that the order is in the best interest of the public.

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