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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 L. CRIMINAL LAW HEARING OFFICERS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES |
Sec. 54.852. APPOINTMENT
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(a) A board composed of three judges of the district courts of Harris County trying criminal cases, three judges of the county criminal courts at law, and three justices of the peace in Harris County may appoint criminal law hearing officers, with the consent and approval of the commissioners court, to perform the duties authorized by this subchapter. A quorum is two-thirds of the members of the board.
(b) The board shall ensure that the criminal law hearing officers appointed under this subchapter are representative of the race, sex, national origin, and ethnicity of the population of Harris County.
(c) A criminal law hearing officer serves a one-year term and continues to serve until a successor is appointed.
(d) A criminal law hearing officer appointed under this subchapter may be terminated at any time in the same manner as appointed.
(e) A criminal law hearing officer may not engage in the private practice of law or serve as a mediator or arbitrator or otherwise participate as a neutral party in any alternate dispute resolution proceeding, with or without compensation.
(f) A criminal law hearing officer is subject to proceedings under Article V, Section 1-a, of the Texas Constitution.