Texas § CR.17.20 - BAIL IN MISDEMEANOR
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § CR.17.20 — BAIL IN MISDEMEANOR, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ CR.17.20. BAIL IN MISDEMEANOR
BAIL IN MISDEMEANOR. (a) In cases of misdemeanor, the sheriff or other peace officer, or a jailer licensed under Chapter 1701 , Occupations Code, may, whether during the term of the court or in vacation, where the officer has a defendant in custody, take the defendant's bail. (b) Before taking bail under this article, the sheriff, peace officer, or jailer shall obtain the defendant's criminal history record information through the statewide telecommunications system maintained by the Department of Public Safety and through the public safety report system developed under Article 17.021 . (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a sheriff, peace officer, or jailer may make a bail decision regarding a defendant who is charged only with a misdemeanor punishable by fine only or a defendant who receives a citation under Article 14.06 (c) without considering the factor required by Article 17.15 (a)(6). (d) If the defendant is charged with or has previously been convicted of an offense involving violence as defined by Article 17.03 , the sheriff, officer, or jailer may not set the amount of the defendant's bail but may take the defendant's bail in the amount set by the court. Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722. Amended by Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3046, ch. 1006, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1971. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 736 (H.B. 1070 ), Sec. 3, eff. June 17, 2011. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., 2nd C.S., Ch. 11 (S.B. 6 ), Sec. 11, eff. January 1, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § CR.17.20
What does The Texas Constitution § CR.17.20 cover?
Section CR.17.20 ("BAIL IN MISDEMEANOR") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § CR.17.20?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § CR.17.20" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § CR.17.20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.