Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 31A.004 – Change of Venue On Defendant’s Motion
(a) In a felony or misdemeanor case punishable by confinement, the court may grant a change of venue on the written motion of the defendant, supported by the defendant’s affidavit and the affidavit of at least two credible persons who are residents of the county in which the prosecution is commenced, if the court determines that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial in the county in which the prosecution is commenced as a result of:
(1) a prejudice against the defendant in the county; or
(2) a dangerous combination against the defendant in the county instigated by influential persons.
(b) An order changing venue under Subsection (a) to a county other than a county in the same judicial district as the county in which the case is pending or in an adjoining judicial district is grounds for reversal, if on timely contest by the defendant, the record of the contest affirmatively shows that any county in the judicial district in which the case is pending or in the adjoining judicial district is not subject to the same conditions that required the change of venue.
Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 31A.004
- Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
- Affidavit: means a statement in writing of a fact or facts signed by the party making it, sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by the officer under his seal of office. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Justice: when applied to a magistrate, means justice of the peace. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
- Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.
- Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) On the defendant’s motion and with the consent of the attorney representing the state, the court may transfer the case to another judicial district:
(1) for the convenience of the parties and witnesses and in the interest of justice; or
(2) if the defendant stipulates that the defendant will enter a plea of guilty.
Text of article effective on January 01, 2025