Section 54A.006 - Proceedings That May Be Referred(a) A judge may refer to an associate judge any matter arising out of a criminal case involving:(1) a negotiated plea of guilty or no contest before the court;(4) a writ of habeas corpus;(6) an occupational driver's license;(7) an appeal of an administrative driver's license revocation hearing;(8) a civil commitment matter under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code;(9) setting, adjusting, or revoking bond;(10) the issuance of search warrants, including a search warrant under Article 18.02(a)(10), Code of Criminal Procedure, notwithstanding Article 18.01(c), Code of Criminal Procedure; and(11) any other matter the judge considers necessary and proper.(b) An associate judge may accept an agreed plea of guilty or no contest from a defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses and may assess punishment if a plea agreement is announced on the record between the defendant and the state.(c) An associate judge has all of the powers of a magistrate under the laws of this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.(d) An associate judge may select a jury. Except as provided in Subsection (b), an associate judge may not preside over a trial on the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.Tex. Gov't. Code § 54A.006
Amended by Acts 2019, Texas Acts of the 86th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 467,Sec. 8.005, eff. 9/1/2019.Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 3, Sec. 6.01, eff. 1/1/2012.