Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

§ 45A.151 — DEFENDANT'S PLEA

CR § 45A.151Title 1. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE · Ch. 45A. JUSTICE AND MUNICIPAL COURTS · Art. D. TRIAL

Statute text

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(a)A pleading of a defendant in a justice or municipal court may be oral or in writing as directed by the court.

(b)After a jury is impaneled, or after the defendant has waived trial by jury, the defendant may enter:

(1)a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere; or

(2)a special plea of double jeopardy as described by Article 27.05.

(c)If a defendant is detained in jail before trial, the justice or judge may permit the defendant to enter any of the pleas described by Subsection (b).

(d)If a defendant is charged with an offense involving family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, the justice or judge must take the defendant's plea in open court.

Legislative history

Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 1.001, eff. January 1, 2025.