Does the state have a sentencing commission? No.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? No.
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? N/A
Does the state have drug courts? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Reports
From the Pew Center on the States and the Council on State Governments:
Assessing the Impact of the 2007 Justice Reinvestment Initiative (2009)
Changing Direction: A Bipartisan Team Paves a New Path for Sentencing and Corrections in Texas (2008)
Work in the States: Sentencing and Corrections in Texas (2008)
Justice Reinvestment State Brief: Texas (2007)
Presentation: Justice Reinvestment: The Challenges Ahead (2007)
Comparison of Texas Budget Proposals to Manage the Growth of the Prison Population and Increase Public Safety (2007)
Funding Correctional Treatment and Diversion Initiatives in Texas (2007)
Sentencing and Corrections Profile: Texas (2007)
Policy Options to Increase Public Safety and to Manage the Growth of the Prison Population (2007)
Recent and Projected Growth of the Texas Prison Population (2007)
Helpful links
Governor Rick Perry
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles
Texas Executive Clemency (pardons and commutations)
Texas Legislature
Texas Court System
Texas Drug Courts
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives? Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state? Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
ACLU of Texas
Texas CURE
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