Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas

Ex Parte Mirlo Luana Gonzales, Applicant

May 12, 1997945 S.W.2d 830

Summary

The Court granted the applicant's writ of habeas corpus, holding that a trial court may not confine a defendant for failure to repay court‑appointed counsel costs unless it considers the defendant's ability to pay, and that a contemnor is entitled to counsel and must be informed of that right. The order of contempt and confinement were therefore void.