(a) Not later than the 10th day after the date that an indictment or information is returned against a defendant for an offense, the attorney representing the state shall give to each victim of the offense a written notice containing:
(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:
(i) regarding compensation to victims of crime as provided by Chapter 56B, including information relating to the costs that may be compensated under that chapter, eligibility for compensation, and procedures for application for compensation under that chapter;
(ii) for a victim of a sexual assault, regarding the payment under Subchapter G for a forensic medical examination; and
(iii) providing a 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 § 508.117, Government Code, to appear in person before a member of the board as provided by § 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.

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Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 56A.451

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • 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.
  • Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005