Opinion

Ex Parte Davila

  • 623 S.W.2d 408
Court
Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas
Filed
Nov 4, 1981
Status
Published
Author
McCORMICK
On the bench
Roberts, Clinton, McCormick
Cited by
81 cases
Authority
More cited than 10.8%

stating that after an accused is convicted and initiates postverdict proceedings, Article 44.04’s provisions modify and supplement Chapter 17’s procedures concerning bail

How later courts described this case

  • stating that after an accused is convicted and initiates postverdict proceedings, Article 44.04’s provisions modify and supplement Chapter 17’s procedures concerning bail
  • the factors for fixing bail as provided in Article 17.15 remain viable after conviction; additionally, the court should consider the punishment assessed, the nature of the offense, the petitioner's work record, family ties, length of residency, ability to make the bond, and prior criminal record, as well as conformity with previous bond conditions and the existence of other outstanding bonds
  • Chapter 17's procedures for fixing amount of bail are modified and supplemented by Article 44.04's provisions after an accused is convicted and begins postverdict proceedings
  • requirements of reporting to probation officer twice daily by phone or in person, and securing written permission to leave the county were held reasonable

Written by the judges who cited it.

The opinion

McCORMICK, Judge,

dissenting.

There is no showing in the record before us that the trial court abused its discretion in setting bond for the appellant. Following the hearing, the trial court reduced from $20,000 to $17,500 the amount of bail required pending appeal.

In addition to the requirements of Article 17.15, V.A.C.C.P., we must consider certain other factors prior to determining that a trial court abused its discretion. Additionally, the burden is on appellant to show that the bail which has been set is excessive. Ex parte August, 552 S.W.2d 169 (Tex.Cr.App.1977).

As noted by the majority, the primary factors to be considered in determining reasonable bail pending appeal are the length of the sentence [Mayo v. State, 611 S.W.2d 442 (Tex.Cr.App.1971)], and the nature of the offense [Ex parte Rodriguez, 595 S.W.2d 549 (Tex.Cr.App.1980)]. Additionally, this Court will consider an appellant’s work record, family ties and length of residency; ability to make bond; prior criminal record; conformity with previous bond conditions; other outstanding bonds; and aggravating factors involved in the offense. Ex parte Rubac, 611 S.W.2d 848 (Tex.Cr.App.1981).

The record before us is void of any work history by appellant. Although she had been in Lubbock intermittently for two and one-half years, appellant’s family ties are in Mission, and there is nothing to indicate there exists a restraining influence or duty on appellant to remain in Lubbock. Finally, the record does not reflect any facts concerning the offense other than her common-law husband and co-indictee was a fugitive and had jumped a $250,000 bond.

*411 In reducing the bond to $17,500, I fail to perceive an abuse of discretion.

I dissent.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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