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”
Author Archives: Mark Goodner
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”
Temporary Repeal of the Chapter 55A Expunction Fee
By Ned Minevitz Municipal Courts of Record & Chapter 55A Expunctions Municipal courts of record are authorized to process expunctions under Chapter 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Chapter 55A expunctions are distinct from expunctions that all municipal courts process, such as juvenile expunctions under Article 45A.463 of the Code of Criminal Procedure orContinue reading “Temporary Repeal of the Chapter 55A Expunction Fee”
HB 2282: What Municipal Court Personnel Need to Know About the Warrant Fee Change
Heads up, court personnel: HB 2282 changes the warrant fee, but the increase doesn’t apply in every case starting September 1, 2025. The rules depend on both the date of offense and the timing of when the fee is assessed. House Bill 2282 (89th Legislature) amends Article 102.011(a), Code of Criminal Procedure. It raises theContinue reading “HB 2282: What Municipal Court Personnel Need to Know About the Warrant Fee Change”
New Notice Requirement for Dismissed State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) Complaints
by Ned Minevitz This year, the Texas Legislature passed S.B. 293, which overhauled Chapter 33 of the Government Code (“State Commission on Judicial Conduct”). One change that is likely to get municipal judges’ attention is new Section 33.022(b-2). This law requires the SCJC to provide notice to a judge within five business days of dismissingContinue reading “New Notice Requirement for Dismissed State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) Complaints”
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