(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.

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Terms Used In Texas Government Code 54.996

  • Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.