Tex. Gov't Code § 54.876

Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.

Section 54.876 - Proceeding That May Be Referred

(a) A district judge or a county court at law judge may refer to a magistrate any criminal case for proceedings involving:

(1) a negotiated plea of guilty before the court;

(2) a bond forfeiture;

(3) a pretrial motion;

(4) a postconviction writ of habeas corpus;

(5) an examining trial; and

(6) any other matter the judge considers necessary and proper.

(b) A magistrate may accept a plea of guilty for a misdemeanor or felony.

(c) A magistrate may not preside over a trial on the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.

(d) A judge of a court designated a juvenile court may refer to a magistrate any proceeding over which a juvenile court has exclusive original jurisdiction under Title 3, Family Code, including any matter ancillary to the proceeding.

Tex. Gov't. Code § 54.876

Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 602, Sec. 3, eff. 6/18/1999.

Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 25, Sec. 1, eff. 8/28/1989.