Sections
Subchapter A General Provisions 56A.001
Subchapter B Crime Victims’ Rights 56A.051 – 56A.054
Subchapter C Additional Protections for Victims and Witnesses 56A.101 – 56A.102
Subchapter D Victim Impact Statement 56A.151 – 56A.160
Subchapter E Victim Assistance Coordinator; Crime Victim Liaison 56A.201 – 56A.205
Subchapter G Forensic Medical Examination of Sexual Assault Victim 56A.301 – 56A.352
Subchapter I Peace Officer and Law Enforcement Agency Duties; Victim Notifications 56A.401 – 56A.403
Subchapter J Required Notifications by Attorney Representing the State 56A.451 – 56A.454
Subchapter K Notification by Certain Entities of Release or Escape 56A.501 – 56A.507
Subchapter L Notification by Department of Escape or Transfer 56A.551 – 56A.555
Subchapter M Other Powers and Duties of Department and Clearinghouse 56A.601 – 56A.604
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Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 56A - Rights of Crime Victims

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Appellate: About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Deposition: An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
  • Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Ex officio: Literally, by virtue of one's office.
  • Fiduciary: A trustee, executor, or administrator.
  • General-law municipality: means a municipality designated by Chapter 5 as a Type A general-law municipality, Type B general-law municipality, or Type C general-law municipality. See Texas Local Government Code 1.005
  • 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.
  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Home-rule municipality: means a municipality designated by Chapter 5 as a home-rule municipality. See Texas Local Government Code 1.005
  • 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.
  • Juror: A person who is on the jury.
  • Justice: when applied to a magistrate, means justice of the peace. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Lawsuit: A legal action started by a plaintiff against a defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty, resulting in harm to the plaintiff.
  • Municipality: means a general-law municipality, home-rule municipality, or special-law municipality. See Texas Local Government Code 1.005
  • Nolo contendere: No contest-has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.
  • 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.
  • United States: includes a department, bureau, or other agency of the United States of America. See Texas Government Code 311.005
  • 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.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
  • Writ of certiorari: An order issued by the Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case for which it will hear on appeal.