Art. 45A.151 DEFENDANT'S PLEA
Chapter 45A: Justice and Municipal Courts
Rule Text
(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.
Amendment history: Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 1.001, eff. January 1, 2025.