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Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
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GOVERNMENT CODE |
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Title 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH |
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Subtitle D. JUDICIAL PERSONNEL AND OFFICIALS |
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Chapter 54. MASTERS; MAGISTRATES; REFEREES; ASSOCIATE JUDGES |
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Subchapter HH. BRAZORIA COUNTY CRIMINAL MAGISTRATES |
Sec. 54.1853. POWERS AND DUTIES
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(a) The Commissioners Court of Brazoria County shall establish the powers and duties of a magistrate appointed under this subchapter. Except as otherwise provided by the commissioners court, a magistrate has the powers of a magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure and other laws of this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.
(b) A magistrate shall give preference to performing the duties of a magistrate under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(c) The commissioners court may designate one or more magistrates to hold regular hearings to:
(1) give admonishments;
(2) set and review bail and conditions of release;
(3) appoint legal counsel; and
(4) determine other routine matters relating to preindictment or pending cases within those courts' jurisdiction.
(d) In the hearings provided under Subsection (c), a magistrate shall give preference to the case of an individual held in county jail.
(e) A magistrate may inquire into a defendant's intended plea to the charge and set the case for an appropriate hearing before a judge or master.