Government Code § 54.1603

Sec. 54.1603. POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The Commissioners Court of Bell 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. (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. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 967 (S.B. 251), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.