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Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 56A.158

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
  • Victim Impact Statement: A written or spoken statement by the victim or his or her representative about the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a crime on the victim. The statement is given to the court before sentencing.

Before sentencing a defendant, a court shall permit the defendant or the defendant’s attorney a reasonable period to:
(1) read the victim impact statement, excluding the victim’s name, address, and telephone number;
(2) comment on the statement; and
(3) with the approval of the court, introduce testimony or other information alleging a factual inaccuracy in the statement.