(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.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 577, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.