Municipal judges are often the face of magistration, but they are rarely the only people involved in the process. From probable cause determinations and bail decisions to Public Safety Reporting System requirements and post-bail procedures, magistration requires coordination among judges, clerks, court administrators, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and others. As statutes evolve and courts continueContinue reading “Magistration: The Law Changes. The Duty Remains.”
Author Archives: Mark Goodner
Deadline Approaching for TMCEC’s Final Prosecutors Seminar of the Year!
Calling all municipal prosecutors and city attorneys! Registration is still open for our second and final Prosecutors Seminar for the academic year. June 2–4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Conroe for three days of practical, courtroom-focused training built specifically for municipal prosecution practice. Courses this year will include Legislative Updates, Case Law & AG OpinionContinue reading “Deadline Approaching for TMCEC’s Final Prosecutors Seminar of the Year!”
Biannually, Biennially, and Finally Some Clarity: Rule 7.1 Gets an Update
By Madison Mondragon Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and confusion over the word “biannually.” For courts across Texas, that confusion became very real when Rule 7.1 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration (TRJA) required the distribution of a court confidentiality policy “biannually.” On February 20, 2024, the Court issued its finalContinue reading “Biannually, Biennially, and Finally Some Clarity: Rule 7.1 Gets an Update”
Tips for Effective Charging: Less Is More
When it comes to drafting complaints in municipal court, less is often more. Under Article 45A.101 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a complaint must include a statement that the accused committed an offense. But that doesn’t mean it needs extra details beyond what’s required to establish the elements of the offense. In fact, includingContinue reading “Tips for Effective Charging: Less Is More”
Surplusage and Variances: Navigating the Materiality Test under Gollihar
by Ned Minevitz and Madison Mondragon Must Extra Information in a Complaint be Proven at Trial? Article 45A.101 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides the necessary information to include when drafting a sufficient complaint to initiate criminal proceedings in municipal court. This blog will focus on Article 45A.101(a)(4), which requires either a statement thatContinue reading “Surplusage and Variances: Navigating the Materiality Test under Gollihar”
Reporting Juror Disqualification for Misdemeanor Theft Convictions
byNed Minevitz and Leandra Quick Since 2023, Section 62.115(d) of the Government Code has required clerks to report misdemeanor theft convictions to the Secretary of State (SOS) for the purposes of juror disqualification. As noted on Page 7-20 of TMCEC’s Level 1 Study Guide, however, due to security reasons regarding the use of a statewideContinue reading “Reporting Juror Disqualification for Misdemeanor Theft Convictions”
Centers of Excellence: Recognizing Excellence in Texas Courts
by Madison Mondragon Texas courts work every day to ensure the fair, timely, and efficient administration of justice. To support and recognize these efforts, the Texas Judicial Council created the Centers of Excellence Program. Centers of Excellence is a statewide initiative designed to help courts assess their administrative practices, strengthen performance, and demonstrate their commitmentContinue reading “Centers of Excellence: Recognizing Excellence in Texas Courts”
The Power of 4: Judicial Education Pathways (2026)
Recent changes to the Rules of Judicial Education have created more flexible ways for municipal judges to complete their required education hours. If you’re planning your judicial education for the year, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the updated pathways. TMCEC’s new video highlights these options and introduces the “Power of 4”—a conceptContinue reading “The Power of 4: Judicial Education Pathways (2026)”
Jail Credit After H.B. 16 (89th Legislature, 2nd Special Session)
by Mark Goodner and Ned Minevitz Understanding the Expanded Mandatory Credit in Fine-Only Cases A recent amendment to Article 45A.251, Code of Criminal Procedure, has expanded when mandatory jail credit applies in fine-only misdemeanor cases. Because municipal courts already apply multiple forms of jail credit, it is important to clearly separate what changed from whatContinue reading “Jail Credit After H.B. 16 (89th Legislature, 2nd Special Session)”
One Week Out: A Live Court Security Clinic Focused on Protecting Court Personnel
In one week, TMCEC will host its next 4-Hour Virtual Clinic, Protecting Court Personnel: Security, Privacy, and Planning, a live, interactive program designed to address the evolving risks facing judges, clerks, court administrators, and prosecutors. 📅 Wednesday, January 28, 2026🕐 1:00–5:00 p.m. (Live via Zoom) This clinic comes at an important moment for Texas courts.Continue reading “One Week Out: A Live Court Security Clinic Focused on Protecting Court Personnel”
Full Court Press 