Magistrates

Sec. 30.004945. MAGISTRATES. (a) The governing body may appoint one or more magistrates in addition to magistrates provided under Article 2A.151, Code of Criminal Procedure. (b) A magistrate does not have to possess all the qualifications necessary to be a municipal court of record judge. (c) A magistrate may not preside over the court or hear contested cases. (d) A magistrate may: (1) conduct an arraignment; (2) hold an indigency hearing; (3) accept a plea; (4) sign a judgment; (5) set the amount of a bond; or (6) perform other functions under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure. Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 691, Sec. 46, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.059, eff. January 1, 2025.