Houston Criminal Defense Attorney - Brian Foley - Board Certified in Criminal Law.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.024 is titled "Tracking Use of Certain Testimony." I call it the Snitch tracker rule. No its not a Harry Potter reference. Its about people who are incarcerated and want to testify against other people who are incarcerated. This provision of the code of criminal procedure requires district attorneys to track the use of testimony of a jailhouse snitch and any benefits offered or provided to a person in exchange for testimony of jailhouse snitches.
A jailhouse snitch, also known as a jailhouse informant, is a person who provides information or testimony about another person's alleged criminal activity while in jail or prison. This information is often provided in exchange for some type of benefit, such as a reduced sentence, better living conditions, or other perks.
Jailhouse snitches have a reputation for being unreliable witnesses, as they may be motivated to lie or exaggerate in order to receive a benefit. In addition, jailhouse snitches may not have firsthand knowledge of the alleged criminal activity and may be relying on hearsay or rumors.
The use of jailhouse snitches as witnesses has been controversial, as it has led to wrongful convictions in some cases. In these cases, the testimony of a jailhouse snitch may be the only evidence against the defendant, making it difficult for the defendant to defend themselves.
If you are facing criminal charges in Houston, Texas and the prosecution is relying on the testimony of a jailhouse snitch, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the potential penalties, and can work with you to develop a defense strategy. It is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, and that you should exercise these rights if you are facing criminal charges.
Art. 2.024. TRACKING USE OF CERTAIN TESTIMONY. (a) In this article: (1) "Attorney representing the state" means a district attorney, a criminal district attorney, or a county attorney with criminal jurisdiction. (2) "Correctional facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code. (b) An attorney representing the state shall track: (1) the use of testimony of a person to whom a defendant made a statement against the defendant's interest while the person was imprisoned or confined in the same correctional facility as the defendant, if known by the attorney representing the state, regardless of whether the testimony is presented at trial; and (2) any benefits offered or provided to a person in exchange for testimony described by Subdivision (1). Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 686 (H.B. 34), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017. Redesignated by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 21.001(1), eff. September 1, 2019.
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