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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 H. CRIMINAL LAW MAGISTRATES IN TARRANT COUNTY |
Sec. 54.656. PROCEEDING THAT MAY BE REFERRED
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(a) A 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;
(6) an occupational driver's license;
(7) an agreed order of expunction under Chapter 55, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(8) an asset forfeiture hearing as provided by Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(9) an agreed order of nondisclosure provided by Section 411.081;
(10) a hearing on a motion to revoke probation; and
(11) any other matter the judge considers necessary and proper.
(b) A judge may refer to a magistrate a civil case arising out of Chapter 59, Code of Criminal Procedure, for any purpose authorized by that chapter, including issuing orders, accepting agreed judgments, enforcing judgments, and presiding over a case on the merits if a party has not requested a jury trial.
(c) A magistrate may accept a plea of guilty from a defendant charged with misdemeanor, felony, or both misdemeanor and felony offenses.
(d) A magistrate may select a jury. A magistrate may not preside over a criminal trial on the merits, whether or not the trial is before a jury.
(e) A magistrate may not hear a jury trial on the merits of a bond forfeiture.