Powers

Sec. 54.996. POWERS. (a) A judge may refer to a magistrate any criminal case for proceedings involving: (1) issuance of search warrants; (2) setting of bonds; (3) arraignment of defendants; and (4) any other matter that is subject to the review of the judge. (b) A magistrate may not preside over a contested trial on the merits, regardless of whether the trial is before a jury. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 577, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.