Texas Government Code 54.1853 – Powers and Duties
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(a) The Commissioners Court of Brazoria County shall establish the powers and duties of a magistrate appointed under this subchapter. Except as otherwise provided by the commissioners court, a magistrate has the powers of a magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure and other laws of this state and may administer an oath for any purpose.
(b) A magistrate shall give preference to performing the duties of a magistrate under Article 15.17, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Terms Used In Texas Government Code 54.1853
- Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- 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.
(c) The commissioners court may designate one or more magistrates to hold regular hearings to:
(1) give admonishments;
(2) set and review bail and conditions of release;
(3) appoint legal counsel; and
(4) determine other routine matters relating to preindictment or pending cases within those courts’ jurisdiction.
(d) In the hearings provided under Subsection (c), a magistrate shall give preference to the case of an individual held in county jail.
(e) A magistrate may inquire into a defendant‘s intended plea to the charge and set the case for an appropriate hearing before a judge or master.