Texas crime victims want more say in rooms

In Austin, Texas legislators considered new law that would allow victims to speak during the pre-sentencing.

Austin, Texas - State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow victims of crime to speak during the pre-sentencing. Under current law, Texas is one of only two States to prohibit the victims offer "impact statements" that the sentence is completed. This means that those who have been affected by a criminal as a rapist or a motorist for driving intoxicated in Texas, has little influence on the penalties handed down by the judge or jury.

The victims have a rights menu, access to a compensation fund and the right to speak to a defendant in the courtroom audience. Written statements may be submitted at any time even if oral statements are not recorded by a court reporter or entered into the official court record. The defendants are allowed to speak to the Court before the sentence of family and friends.

House Bill 167 allow oral victim impact statements before sentencing. The intention is to make the victim more active in the legal process, rather than a witness. It would allow the victims that the courtroom know the human cost and suffering associated with the crime.