Tex. Gov't Code § 54.878

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

Section 54.878 - Powers

(a) Except as limited by an order of referral, a magistrate to whom a case is referred may:

(1) conduct hearings;

(2) hear evidence;

(3) compel production of relevant evidence;

(4) rule on admissibility of evidence;

(5) issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;

(6) examine witnesses;

(7) swear witnesses for hearings;

(8) make findings of fact on evidence;

(9) formulate conclusions of law;

(10) rule on a pretrial motion;

(11) recommend the rulings, orders, or judgment to be made in a case;

(12) regulate proceedings in a hearing;

(13) accept a plea of guilty for a misdemeanor or felony or a plea of true from a defendant or juvenile, regardless of the classification of the offense charged or the conduct alleged; and

(14) do any act and take any measure necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the duties required by the order of referral.

(b) A magistrate may not enter a ruling on any issue of law or fact if that ruling could result in dismissal or require dismissal of a pending criminal prosecution, but the magistrate may make findings, conclusions, and recommendations on those issues.

Tex. Gov't. Code § 54.878

Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 602, Sec. 4, eff. 6/18/1999.

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