Court Opinion

ID: 9683097
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 13:22:28.044813+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:17:44.806509
License: Public Domain

DOUGLAS, Judge
(concurring).
The indictment alleged an offense under the former code. There was sufficient notice in that indictment.
The Legislature adopted the present code and made changes in the punishment and the definition of the offense. Appellant had notice of these changes. With this notice he elected to have the punishment assessed under the subsequent code. He was not forced to elect. He was not deprived of any right but was given a new one under which he chose to proceed.
In Jones v. State, 502 S.W.2d 771 (Tex.Cr.App.1973), the conviction was for the possession of less than four ounces of marihuana. At the time of indictment the offense was a felony. At the time of the trial the punishment was classified as a misdemean- or for that amount of marihuana. Jones elected to be tried under the newer act. He complained that he had to give up his right to have the jury assess the punishment when he chose to proceed under the subsequent statute. This Court held that he waived that right by his election.
In the present case, appellant knew what the indictment charged and the penalties under each statute. He made his election.
The Legislature did not intend that he have a right to elect not to be punished for rape.