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Felony Division
Felonies are offenses punishable by death or by confinement in a penitentiary or state jail. Felonies are classified according to the relative seriousness of the
crime. Felony offenses include capital murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault,
sexual assault, crimes against children, identify theft, and certain drug and theft
cases.
Taylor County has three District Courts with felony jurisdiction: the 42nd District
Court, 104th District Court, and the 350th District Court. Each court has two
prosecutors: a court chief as well as a second assistant criminal district attorney
who handle the cases assigned to that particular court.
The Taylor County Criminal District Attorney's office handles approximately
2000 felony cases every year. Local and State law enforcement agencies
submit cases to the office for consideration of charges. During the intake
process, experienced prosecutors review the case and determine if there is
enough evidence to go forward with a charge. Occasionally the case requires
more investigation prior to filing.
Every person accused of a felony offense has the right to have his or her case
heard by a grand jury. Each district court has its own grand jury. The grand
juries are composed of twelve citizens of Taylor County. They are chosen much
like a trial jury, but their duties are different. Grand jurors decide if there is
enough evidence to charge a person with a crime. If at least nine grand jurors
agree the evidence is sufficient they return an indictment. If not, they return a
"no bill" and the case is over. Once an indictment is returned, the case is sent to
district court.
The prosecutor assigned to each case will look at the evidence, review the
defendant's criminal history, if any, speak to any victims, and then make a
punishment recommendation. When making punishment recommendations
or "plea bargains", prosecutors also look at jury verdicts in similar
cases. If the defendant accepts this offer the case results in a plea bargain.
If the defendant does not accept the offer, the case is put on the trial docket.
With some exceptions, cases are tried according to the age of the case.
Arimy Beasley
Chief Prosecutor
42nd District Court
Joel Wilks
Chief Prosecutor
104th District Court
Dan Joiner
Chief Prosecutor
350th District Court
Contact Us
300 Oak Street, Suite 300
Abilene, Texas 79602
3rd Floor, East Elevator
Phone: 325-674-1261
Fax: Upon Request
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00
Closed 12:00-1:00