Jenkins v. State

OPINION

Opinion by:

Karen Angelini, Justice

In this appeal, we are presented with this issue: does a charging instrument that does not identify the defendant by name, but which is preceded by a caption that does identify the defendant by name, meet the jurisdictional requirement that a charging instrument name a “person” as set forth in article V, § 12(b) of the Texas Constitution? Because we conclude that it does not, we hold that the charging instrument in this case did not vest the trial court with jurisdiction. Therefore, Appellant Deondre Javqueen Jenkins’s conviction is void.

Background

In…