Armadillo Bail Bonds v. State
This case involves an appeal by Jerry Wardlow, doing business as Armadillo Bail Bonds, a surety, against the State of Texas regarding a criminal bail bond forfeiture. The central issue is whether article 22.16(c)(2) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which delays final judgment against a bond for eighteen months in felony cases, violates the separation of powers doctrine of the Texas Constitution. The trial court had entered a final judgment before the expiration of the eighteen-month period, concluding the statute was unconstitutional. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, agreeing that the legislative imposition of an eighteen-month delay in entering final judgment constitutes an unconstitutional interference with the judiciary's power, which includes the power to enter and execute judgments. The court reasoned that such a delay usurps judicial functions and renders the judicial branch powerless to administer justice without denial or delay.