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IN HB1538
Bill
Status
1/17/2019
Primary Sponsor
Ragen Hatcher
Click for details
AI Summary
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Indigent defendants gain the right to consult with and be represented by counsel at their initial hearing, not just at later proceedings
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Judicial officers must determine indigency before conducting the initial hearing, rather than before completing it
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Indigent defendants must be given sufficient time to consult with assigned counsel before the initial hearing proceeds
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Assigned counsel must be physically present at the time of appointment to provide immediate consultation and representation
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Effective date: July 1, 2019
Legislative Description
Representation of the indigent at initial hearing. Provides that an indigent defendant has the right to consult with and be represented by counsel at the initial hearing. Provides that prior to conducting the initial hearing, if the judicial officer determines that a person is indigent, the judicial officer shall provide the person with sufficient time to consult with counsel prior to conducting the initial hearing.
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code
1/17/2019