Bench - Book - Chapter 2 1

TMCEC Bench Book
CHAPTER 2 SEARCH WARRANTS, ARREST WARRANTS, AND OTHER WRITS

1. The Chapter 15 Arrest Warrant
Warrants, in contrast to other writs such as the capias and capias pro fine, are issued primarily by judges
in their capacity as magistrates. There is one notable exception to this rule in Texas: municipal judges and
justices of the peace have authority to issue warrants of arrest for fine-only misdemeanors filed in their
court pursuant to Article 45.014, C.C.P. The 85th Regular Legislature made significant changes relating
to Article 45.014 warrants. The issuance of an arrest warrant is prohibited for the defendant’s failure to
appear at the initial court setting, including failure to appear as required by a citation issued under Article
14.06(b), unless certain additional notice is provided by telephone or regular mail. Furthermore, judges
are required to recall an arrest warrant for the defendant’s failure to appear if, before the arrest warrant is
executed, the defendant voluntarily appears to resolve the arrest warrant and the arrest warrant is resolved
in any manner authorized by the Code of Criminal Procedure; this is commonly referred to as the “safe
harbor” provision.
As a magistrate, a municipal judge has authority to issue warrants of arrest for offenses including those
that are outside of the municipal court’s jurisdiction, such as Class A and B misdemeanors and felonies.
For those offenses, a magistrate’s authority for issuing arrest warrants is found in Chapter 15, C.C.P.
Article 2.09, C.C.P. lists those persons who are magistrates in Texas. Included in that list are municipal
judges. A magistrate’s authority is countywide. Gilbert v. State, 493 S.W.2d 783 (Tex. Crim. App. 1973)
and Ex parte Clear, 573 S.W.2d. 224 (Tex. Crim. App. 1978). A magistrate’s authority to issue warrants is
discussed in Checklist 2-1.
Checklist 2-1 Script/Notes
A “warrant of arrest” is a written order from a magistrate Art. 15.01, C.C.P. See The
directed to a peace officer commanding the officer to take Municipal Judges Book: Chapter 1.
the body of the person accused of an offense to be dealt with
according to law.
r 1. No arrest warrant shall issue without probable Art. 1.06, C.C.P.

cause supported by oath or affirmation. An arrest
warrant may be issued:
r a. When a verbal order of arrest is proper; Art. 15.03(a)(1), C.C.P.
r b. When a person swears under oath that Art. 15.03(a)(2), C.C.P. A person
another has committed an offense against may appear before the magistrate
the laws of the State; or in person or they may be presented
to the magistrate through an
electronic broadcast system. Art.
15.03(c), C.C.P. A recording of
the communication must be made
and preserved, if the defendant
is charged with the offense, until
the defendant is acquitted or all
appeals have been exhausted. Art.
15.03(d), C.C.P.
Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 67 December 2021

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r c. In any case in which the C.C.P. permits the Art. 15.03(a)(3), C.C.P.
issuance of an arrest warrant.
r 2. The arrest warrant: See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:

Warrant of Arrest: Magistrate.
r a. Issues in the name of “The State of Texas;”
r b. Names the person to be arrested, if known,

or reasonably describes the person to
be arrested, including any or all of the
following:
r (1) Nickname or “street” name;
r (2) Age;
r (3) Gender;
r (4) Height and weight;
r (5) Identifying marks; and
r (6) Ethnic origin.
r c. Alleges the commission of some offense

against the laws of the State; and
r d. Is signed by a magistrate with his or her

office named in the body of the warrant or
in connection with the officer’s signature.
r 3. An arrest warrant must also be supported by an Arts. 15.04 and 15.05, C.C.P., Art.
affidavit of probable cause stating: 1.06, C.C.P.
r a. The name of the accused, if known,

and if not known, a reasonably definite
description;
r b. The time and place of the commission of

the offense, as definitely as can be stated by
the affiant; and
r c. Sufficient facts to support a finding of

probable cause that the person named
therein:

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r (1) Committed the offense charged;

and
r (2) Committed it within the period

covered by the statute of
limitations.
r 4. The specific requisites of the complaint or affidavit See Checklist 2-4.

are covered later in this chapter.
r 5. An arrest warrant is valid throughout Texas, unless Art. 15.06, C.C.P. A warrant issued
issued by a city mayor. by a mayor is generally only valid
in the county in which it is issued.
Art. 15.07, C.C.P.
r 6. Make sure a copy of any warrant or affidavit Art. 15.26, C.C.P.

is provided to the clerk of the court for public See Checklist 2-11.
disclosure once executed.

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2. The Capias
Like an arrest warrant, a capias results in the seizure of a person. A capias, however, cannot be issued
by a magistrate. It can only be issued by a judge. Chronologically, an arrest warrant is normally issued
before the commencement of criminal proceedings, while the capias is issued after the commencement
of formal criminal proceedings. In the Code of Criminal Procedure, there are only three instances where
a capias is utilized: (1) in instances occurring after commitment or bail and before trial (“capias” as
defined in Chapter 23); (2) in instances occurring after judgment and sentence when the court seeks to
have the defendant brought before the court (a “capias” as defined in Chapter 43); and (3) in instances
occurring after a forfeiture of bail is declared by the court or a surety surrenders a defendant (Chapter 23).
Thus, a “capias” in Chapter 23, by definition, is not the same as a “capias” in Chapter 43. Neither writ is
synonymous with the capias pro fine.
r 1. A “capias” as defined in Chapter 23, is a writ Art. 23.01, C.C.P.

that is: (1) issued by a judge of a court having
jurisdiction of a case after commitment or bail and
before trial, or by a clerk at the direction of the
judge; and (2) directing any peace officer in Texas
to arrest the person named therein and bring the
person before that court immediately, or on a day
stated in the order.
r a. A Chapter 23 capias must:
r (1) Issue in the name of “The State of

Texas;”
r (2) Name the person whose arrest is

ordered or, if the name is unknown,
a description;
r (3) Specify which penal offense the

person is accused of committing;
r (4) State the name of the court to

which and the time when it is
returnable; and
r (5) Contain the date and an official Art. 23.02, C.C.P.

attestation by the issuing authority.

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r b. A capias may be issued by the court in A capias may issue only after a
misdemeanor cases upon the filing of an judge’s determination of probable
information or complaint. cause. Art. 23.04, C.C.P.; Sharp v.
State, 677 S.W.2d 513 (Tex. Crim.
App. 1984).
r c. A capias may be issued in electronic form Art. 23.031, C.C.P.

for a person’s failure to appear before a
court or to comply with a court order.
r d. A capias shall be issued when a bail Art. 23.05, C.C.P.

forfeiture is declared.
r e. Make sure copies of all capiases and Art. 15.26, C.C.P.

affidavits are provided to the clerk of the See Checklist 2-11.
court for public disclosure once executed.
r 2. A “capias” as defined in Chapter 43 is a writ that is: Art. 43.015(1), C.C.P.

(1) issued by a court having jurisdiction of a case
after judgment and sentence; and (2) directed to any
peace officer of the State of Texas commanding the
officer to arrest a person convicted of an offense
and bring the arrested person before that court
immediately or on a day or at a term stated in the
writ.
r a. The court may issue a capias, as defined in Art. 43.04, C.C.P

Chapter 43, when a judgment and sentence
have been rendered against a defendant and
the defendant is absent.
r b. A capias, issued pursuant to Chapter 43, Art. 43.021, C.C.P.

may be issued in electronic form.
r c. A capias may be issued to any county in Art. 43.06, C.C.P.

the State and shall be executed as in other
cases, but no bail shall be taken.

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3. The Chapter 45 Arrest Warrant
Warrants, in contrast to other writs such as the capias and capias pro fine, are issued primarily by judges
in their capacity as magistrates. There is one notable exception to this rule in Texas: municipal judges and
justices of the peace have authority to issue arrest warrants for fine-only misdemeanors filed in their court
pursuant to Art. 45.014, C.C.P. This Chapter 45 warrant is in many ways more similar to a capias than an
arrest warrant, as it is issued by a judge as opposed to a magistrate and is often issued after the judge has
jurisdiction over the offense due to the filing of the sworn complaint. It may also be issued by the judge
after an affidavit establishing probable cause, but prior to formal charging, much like the Chapter 15 arrest
warrant.
The 85th Regular Legislature made significant changes relating to the Article 45.014 warrant. The
issuance of an arrest warrant is prohibited for the defendant’s failure to appear at the initial court
setting, including failure to appear as required by a citation issued under Article 14.06(b) unless certain
additional notice is provided by telephone or regular mail. Furthermore, judges are required to recall
an arrest warrant for the defendant’s failure to appear if, before the arrest warrant is executed, the
defendant voluntarily appears to resolve the arrest warrant and the arrest warrant is resolved in any
manner authorized by the Code of Criminal Procedure; this is commonly referred to as the “safe harbor”
provision.
r 1. Prior to issuing an arrest warrant for the defendant's Art. 45.014(e), C.C.P.
failure to appear at the initial court setting,
including failure to appear as required by a citation See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
issued under Article 14.06(b), C.C.P., the judge Notice Initial Court Setting.
must provide by telephone or regular mail to the
defendant notice that includes: A court may send any notice using
mail or electronic mail.
Sec. 80.002, G.C.
r a. A date and time, occurring within the 30-

day period following the date that notice is
provided, when the defendant must appear
before the justice or judge;
r b. The name and address of the court with

jurisdiction in the case;
r c. Information regarding alternatives to the

full payment of any fine or costs owed by
the defendant, if the defendant is unable to
pay that amount;

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r d. A statement that the defendant may be

entitled to a credit toward any fine or costs
owed by the defendant if the defendant
was confined in jail or prison after the
commission of the offense for which the
notice is given; and
r e. An explanation of the consequences if the

defendant fails to appear before the justice
or judge as required by this article.
r 2. The defendant must fail to appear before the justice

or judge as required by this article.
r 3. A defendant who receives notice may request an Art. 45.014(f), C.C.P.

alternative date or time to appear before the judge
if the defendant is unable to appear on the date and
time included in the notice.
r 4. A judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the Art. 45.014(a), C.C.P.
accused and deliver the same to the proper officer
to be executed when a sworn complaint or affidavit
based on probable cause has been filed before the
municipal court
r 5. The arrest warrant is sufficient if it: See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
Warrant of Arrest: Judge.
r a. Issues in the name of “The State of Texas;” Art. 45.014(b)(1), C.C.P.
r b. Is directed to the proper peace officer or Art. 45.014(b)(2), C.C.P.

some other person specifically named in the
warrant;
r c. Includes a command that the body of the Art. 45.014(b)(3), C.C.P.

accused be taken, and brought before the
authority issuing the warrant, at the time
and place stated in the warrant;
r d. States the name of the person whose arrest Art. 45.014(b)(4), C.C.P.
is ordered, if known, or if not known, it
describes the person as in the complaint;
r e. States that the person is accused of some Art. 45.014(b)(5), C.C.P.

offense against the laws of this state,
naming the offense; and

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r f. Is signed by the judge, naming the office Art. 45.014(b)(6), C.C.P.

of the justice or judge in the body of the
warrant or in connection with the signature
of the justice or judge.
r 6. Chapter 15 applies to a warrant of arrest issued Art. 45.014(c), C.C.P.

under this article, except as inconsistent or in See Checklist 2-1.
conflict with this chapter.
r 7. In a county with a population of more than two Art. 45.014(d), C.C.P.

million that does not have a county attorney, a
judge may not issue a warrant under this section
for the offense of Issuance of Bad Check under
Section 32.41, P.C., unless the district attorney has
approved the complaint or affidavit on which the
warrant is based.
r 8. A justice or judge shall recall an arrest warrant for Art. 45.014(g), C.C.P.
the defendant’s failure to appear if the defendant
voluntarily appears and makes a good faith effort
to resolve the arrest warrant before the warrant is
executed.

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4. Search Warrants for Persons and Property
A municipal judge, signing a search warrant in his or her capacity as a magistrate, must have geographical
authority over the area to be searched (i.e., the county or counties in which the city is located). For
example, an Austin municipal judge lacks the authority to issue a search warrant for property located in
the City of El Paso. All magistrates have co-equal jurisdiction with all other magistrates within the county
or counties in which their city is situated and their jurisdiction is coextensive with the limits of the county
or counties. Gilbert v. State, 493 S.W.2d 783 (Tex. Crim. App. 1973) and Ex parte Clear, 573 S.W.2d. 224
(Tex.Crim. App. 1978).
A “search warrant” is a written order from a magistrate to Art. 18.01(a), C.C.P.

a peace officer commanding the officer to search for and to
seize designated property or things and to return them to the
magistrate.
r 1. Review the search warrant, being certain it:
r a. Issues in the name of “The State of Texas;”

and
r b. Directs any peace officer of the county to Art. 18.02, C.C.P.

search the person, place, or thing named,
and seize one or more of the following:
r (1) Property acquired by theft or

by any manner that makes its
acquisition a penal offense;
r (2) Property specifically designed,

made, or adapted for or commonly
used in the commission of an
offense;
r (3) Arms or munitions kept or prepared

for purposes of insurrection or riot;
r (4) Weapons prohibited by the Penal

Code;
r (5) Gambling devices or equipment,

altered gambling equipment, or
gambling paraphernalia;

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r (6) Obscene materials kept or prepared

for commercial distribution or
exhibition;
r (7) A drug, controlled substance,

immediate precursor, chemical
precursor, or other controlled
substance property, including an
apparatus or paraphernalia kept,
prepared, or manufactured in
violation of the laws of this state;
r (8) Any property whose possession is

prohibited by law;
r (9) Implements or instruments used in

commission of a crime;
r (10) Property or items, except the personal See Checklist 2-6 for special rules
writings by the accused, constituting concerning “evidentiary” warrants
evidence of an offense or constituting for mere evidence.
evidence tending to show that a
particular person(s) committed an
offense;
r (11) Persons;
r (12) Contraband subject to forfeiture

under Chapter 59, C.C.P.; or
r (13) Electronic customer data held in A warrant for electronic customer

electronic storage. data can only be issued by a district
judge. Art. 18B.353, C.C.P.
r c. Identifies the property to be seized with Art. 18.04(2), C.C.P.

particularity;
r d. Identifies the location or property sought, Art. 18.04(2), C.C.P.

including:
r (1) A specific street address; and

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r (2) A full description of the building

and surrounding areas. If no
address is provided, this description
should be detailed enough to
distinguish the property to be
searched. In cases of a multiple
unit structure, such as apartment
complexes, condominiums, and
storage facilities, identify the
specific unit to be searched.
r e. Describes the person, place, or thing to Art. 18.04(2), C.C.P.

be searched, including any or all of the
following:
r (1) Proper name, nickname, or street

name;
r (2) Age;
r (3) Gender;
r (4) Height and weight;
r (5) Identifying marks; or
r (6) Ethnic origin.
r 2. Date and sign the warrant. Art. 18.04(4), C.C.P.
r 3. Ensure that your name in included in clearly legible Art.18.04(5), C.C.P.

handwriting or in typewritten form along with your
signature.
r 4. Record the date and hour the warrant is signed on Art. 18.07(b), C.C.P.
the face of the warrant.
r 5. If the facts presented for the issuance of a search This is a “combination” search and
warrant also establish probable cause that a person arrest warrant. Art. 18.03, C.C.P.;
has committed an offense, the search warrant may see TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
also order the arrest of that person. Search and Arrest Warrant.
r 6. With the exception of affidavits for search warrants Art. 15.26, C.C.P.
that have been temporarily sealed, make sure a Art. 18.01(b), C.C.P.
copy of all warrants and affidavits are provided to Art. 18.011, C.C.P.
the clerk of the court for public disclosure, when See Checklist 2-11.
executed.

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5. The Affidavit Supporting the Arrest Warrant, Capias, or Search Warrant
r 1. The affidavit must establish a substantial basis for Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213
concluding that there is a “fair probability” that a (1983).
search will uncover evidence of wrongdoing or that
a person has committed an offense.
r 2. The affidavit must contain facts, not mere Art. 18.01(b), C.C.P.
conclusions, from which the magistrate can make See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
an independent determination of probable cause. Affidavit for Probable Cause for
Arrest Warrant.
r a. The determination is based on the totality

of the circumstances, practicality, and
common sense.
r b. Probable cause is a level of certainty See The Municipal Judges Book:

more than mere suspicion but less than a Chapter 1.
preponderance; it is not a more-likely-than-
not standard.
r 3. Any reliable evidence may be considered without

regard to its admissibility at trial; hearsay and
police records may be considered.
r 4. Do not consider any information not in the warrant The four-corners doctrine limits
affidavit. the determination of sufficient
probable cause to the four corners
of the affidavit. Lagrone v. State,
742 S.W.2d 659 (Tex. Crim. App.
1987); Adkins v. State, 717 S.W.2d
363 (Tex. Crim. App. 1986).
r a. If the applicant for a warrant has additional While the four-corners rule has
information, have that information included been consistently applied to search
in an affidavit that is attached to the warrants, its application to arrest
warrant. warrants is less strict, especially
with recent changes in the law
allowing an oath to be made before
a magistrate electronically. See
“Rounding the Corners: Criminal
Application of the Four-Corners
Rule,” The Recorder (June 2012).

TMCEC Bench Book
r b. For search warrants submitted by electronic Magistrates who consider

means, the magistrate may consider additional information will have
additional testimony or exhibits. additional responsibilities under
the new Art. 18.01(b-1), C.C.P. See
Checklist 2-10.
r 5. Determine whether the source of the information in

the affidavit is reliable.
r a. The affiant is presumed to be honest

(because of the oath).
r b. A named victim, eyewitness, or citizen

informant who reports a crime is presumed
reliable.
rc. An unnamed informant’s reliability may be

shown by:
r (1) Recitation of lack of criminal Wetherby v. State, 482 S.W.2d 852

record, good reputation in the (Tex. Crim. App. 1972).
community for general veracity,
and gainful employment;
r (2) Corroboration of details provided

by the informant;
r (3) Recitation that informant has

provided true, correct, and reliable
information in the past; or
r (4) Declaration by informant against

penal interest.
r 6. Determine the basis of the source’s knowledge and

whether the information from the source is credible.
r a. Is the information first-hand and the result

of direct observation of the facts rather than
an opinion or a conclusion?
r b. Is the information hearsay and, if so, is

there an indication of its reliability?
r c. Is the information corroborated by other

sources or independent investigation?

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r d. Are there details not commonly known

that suggest inside information by the
informant?
r e. In the case of a search warrant, does it Schmidt v. State, 659 S.W.2d 420
state the time when the information was (Tex. Crim. App. 1983). Stale
acquired? information will not support a
conclusion that property is still on
the premises to be searched.
r 7. The search warrant affidavit is generally public Art. 18.01(b), C.C.P.

information after the warrant is executed and See Checklist 2-12.
should be made available for public inspection.
r 8. Make sure a copy of all warrants and affidavits Art. 15.26, C.C.P.
are provided to the clerk of the court for public See Checklist 2-12.
disclosure.

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6. Search Warrants for Mere Evidence
A “mere evidence” or evidentiary search warrant is an order Art. 18.02(a)(10), C.C.P. A blood
from the magistrate to a peace officer to search for and seize warrant is an example of a “mere
property or items, except the personal writings of an accused, evidence” search warrant. See
that constitute evidence of an offense or tend to show a Checklist 2-7.
particular person committed an offense.
r 1. An original mere evidence warrant may be issued Art. 18.01(h), C.C.P.

by a judge of a municipal court of record or a
county court judge who is a licensed attorney;
a judge of a statutory county court, the Court of
Criminal Appeals, or the Supreme Court.
r 2. Except under the limited circumstances noted Art. 18.01(i), C.C.P.

below, neither a judge of a non-record municipal
court nor a justice of the peace may issue a mere
evidence warrant. The exception is for counties
that do not have: (1) a judge of a municipal court
of record who is a licensed attorney; (2) a county
judge who is a licensed attorney; or (3) a statutory
county court judge.
r 3. Any subsequent mere evidence warrant to search Even municipal courts of record
the same person, place, or thing subjected to a cannot issue a second mere
prior search under a mere evidence warrant may be evidence warrant. Art. 18.01(d),
issued only by a judge of a district court, a court C.C.P.
of appeals, the Court of Criminal Appeals, or the
Supreme Court.
r 4. Greater specificity is required in the affidavit for Art. 18.01(c), C.C.P.

an evidentiary warrant than for a regular search
warrant.
r a. The affidavit must contain facts to establish See Checklist 2-5 on probable
probable cause that: cause.
r (1) A specific offense was committed;
r (2) Specifically described property or

items to be searched for and seized
constitute evidence of the specific
offense or that a particular person
committed it; and

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r (3) The property or items constituting

evidence are located at or on the
particular person, place, or thing to
be searched.
r 5. A warrant to search for “mere evidence” — as Art. 18.01(e), C.C.P.

opposed to items in Article 18.02(a)(1-9) — may
not be issued for the office of a:
r a. Newspaper;
r b. News magazine; or
r c. Television or radio station.

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7. Blood Search Warrants
A blood search warrant is an order from the magistrate to a Arts. 18.01(j) and 18.02(a)(10),
peace officer to seize a sample of a person’s blood. C.C.P.
r 1. A blood search warrant may be issued by any Art. 18.01(j), C.C.P.

magistrate who is a licensed attorney if: See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
Blood Search Warrant.
r a. The suspect refuses to submit to a breath or

blood alcohol test; and
r b. Is charged with:
r (1) Driving While Intoxicated; Sec. 49.04, P.C.
r (2) Driving While Intoxicated with a Sec. 49.045, P.C.

Child Passenger;
r (3) Flying While Intoxicated; Sec. 49.05, P.C.
r (4) Boating While Intoxicated; Sec. 49.06, P.C.
r (5) Assembling or Operating Sec. 49.065, P.C.

an Amusement Ride While
Intoxicated;
r (6) Intoxication Assault; or Sec. 49.07, P.C.
r (7) Intoxication Manslaughter. Sec. 49.08, P.C.
r 2. Greater specificity is required in the affidavit for Art. 18.01(c), C.C.P.

an evidentiary warrant than for a regular search See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
warrant. Affidavit for Blood Search
Warrant.
r a. The affidavit must contain facts to establish See Checklist 2-5 on probable
probable cause that: cause.
r (1) A specific offense was committed;

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r (2) Specifically described property or

items to be searched for and seized
constitute evidence of the specific
offense or that a particular person
committed it; and
r (3) The property or items constituting

evidence are located at or on the
particular person, place, or thing to be
searched.
r 3. A warrant issued under Art. 18.10(a)(10) to collect Arts. 18.067 and 18.10(b), C.C.P.
a blood specimen may be executed in any county
adjacent to the county in which the warrant was
issued and by any law enforcement officer authorized
to make an arrest in the county of execution. The
specimen may be removed from the county in which
it was seized and returned to the county in which the
warrant issued without a court order.
r 4. In the following circumstances, a blood search

warrant is not necessary for police to obtain a blood
sample:
r a. A suspect voluntarily agrees to submit to the

drawing of a blood sample;
r b. A peace officer is mandated to obtain a blood Sec. 724.012(a-1), T.C.

sample if:
r (1) the officer arrests the person for a

motor or watercraft intoxication
offense;
r (2) the person refuses the officer’s

request to submit to the taking of a
blood sample voluntarily;
r (3) the person was the operator of a

motor vehicle or watercraft involved
in an accident that the officer
reasonably believes occurred as a
result of the offense; and

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r (4) at the time of the arrest, the officer

reasonably believes that as a direct
result of the accident any individual
has died, will die, or has suffered
serious bodily injury.
r c. Subject to Sec. 724.012(a-1), T.C., a police Sec. 724.012(b), T.C.

officer is mandated to obtain a breath or blood
sample where a person has been arrested for
a motor or watercraft intoxication offense, the
person refuses the officer’s request to submit
to the taking of a specimen voluntarily, and
r (1) The person was the operator of

a motor vehicle or a watercraft
involved in a collision that the officer
reasonably believes occurred as a
result of the offense and, at the time
of the arrest, the officer reasonably
believes that as a direct result of the
collision, an individual other than the
person has suffered bodily injury and
been transported to a hospital or other
medical facility for treatment.
r (2) The offense for which the person was

arrested is Driving While Intoxicated
with Child Passenger; or
r (3) At the time of the arrest, the officer

possesses or receives reliable
information from a credible source
that the person:
r (A) Has been previously convicted

of or placed on community
supervision for Driving
While Intoxicated with Child
Passenger, Intoxication Assault,
or Intoxication Manslaughter; or

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r (B) On two or more occasions,

has been preciously convicted
of or placed on community
supervision for Driving While
Intoxicated, Flying While
Intoxicated, Boating While
Intoxicated, or Assembling or
Operating an Amusement Ride
While Intoxicated.
r (4) A peace officer may not require the Sec. 724.012(e), T.C.
taking of a specimen under Section
724.012, T.C. unless the officer:
r (A) obtains a warrant directing that

the specimen be taken; or
r (B) has probable cause to believe

that exigent circumstances exist.

TMCEC Bench Book

8. Search Warrants to Photograph a Child. Art. 18.021, C.C.P.
r 1. The affidavit must contain the following

information in addition to that normally required:
r a. The allegation of one of the following

specific offenses:
r (1) Injury to a child; Sec. 22.04, P.C.
r (2) Sexual assault of a child; Sec. 22.011(a), P.C.
r (3) Aggravated sexual assault of a Sec. 22.021, P.C.

child; or
r (4) Continuous sexual abuse of young Sec. 21.02, P.C.

child or children.
r b. The name or a description of the victim;
r c. A statement that evidence of the offense Art. 18.01(f), C.C.P.

or evidence that a particular person
committed the offense can be detected by
photographing the child; and
r d. A statement that the child to be located and Art. 18.021(c), C.C.P.

photographed can be found at a particular
place to be searched.
r 2. Special conditions for the execution of the warrant

are also found in Article 18.021, C.C.P.
r 3. The return on the warrant shall include the exposed Art. 18.021(d), C.C.P.
film.

TMCEC Bench Book

9. Administrative Search Warrants. Art. 18.05, C.C.P.
In Camara v. Municipal Court of the City and County of San Francisco, 387 U.S. 523 (1967), the U.S.
Supreme Court held that administrative searches trigger Fourth Amendment interests because submitting
or refusing to submit may result in criminal prosecution. The Court also held that probable cause is
required for issuance of a warrant for an administrative search, but the standard is lower than for issuance
of a search warrant for fruits or instrumentalities of crime. In issuing administrative search warrants,
magistrates should distinguish their function from that of issuing a search warrant. Administrative search
warrants are for the inspection of premises, not the seizure of items. Administrative search warrants relate
to preliminary inspection powers and should not be confused with the power of municipal courts of record
to issue destruction orders to enforce provisions of Chapter 214, L.G.C., and Chapter 683, T.C. See Sec.
30.00005, G.C.
r 1. The warrant is issued to: Art. 18.05(a), C.C.P.
r a. One of the following only:
r (1) Fire marshal;
r (2) Health officer; or
r (3) Code enforcement officer.
r b. Of any county, city, other political

subdivision, or the State.
r 2. For the inspection of any specified premises to See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
determine the presence of a(n): Search Warrant for Fire, Health,
and Code Inspections.
r a. Fire hazard;
r b. Health hazard;
r c. Unsafe building condition; or
r d. Violation of any:
r (1) Fire, health, or building regulation;
r (2) Statute; or
r (3) Ordinance.

TMCEC Bench Book
r 3. If the officer is from a city, county, or other political Art. 18.05(d), C.C.P.
subdivision, verify that he or she is designated as a
person authorized to be issued the warrant.
r 4. If the officer is from a political subdivision other Art. 18.05(d), C.C.P.

than a city or county, verify that the political
subdivision routinely inspects premises to
determine whether there is a fire or health hazard,
unsafe building condition, or a violation of
fire, health or building regulations, statutes, or
ordinances.
r 5. A warrant may not be issued under Article 18.05, Art. 18.05(e), C.C.P.
C.C.P., to a code enforcement official of a county
with a population of 3.3 million or more for the
purpose of allowing the inspection of specified
premises to determine the presence of an unsafe
building condition or a violation of a building
regulation, statute, or ordinance.
r 6. The affidavit must demonstrate probable cause to

believe that the specifically named violation or
hazardous condition is present in the premises to be
inspected.
r 7. The magistrate may consider the: Art. 18.05(c), C.C.P.
r a. Specific knowledge of the affiant;
r b. Age and general condition of the premises;
r c. Previous violations or hazards found

present in the premises;
r d. Type of premises;
r e. Purposes for which the premises are used;

and
r f. Presence of hazards or violations in, and

the general condition of premises near, the
premises sought to be inspected.

TMCEC Bench Book

10. Search Warrants and Affidavits Submitted by Reliable Electronic Means
In Clay v. State, 391 S.W.3d 94 (Tex. Crim. App 2013), the Court held, in light of the specific facts of
the case, that the telephonic administration of an oath for a search warrant did not run afoul of Article
18.01. Judge Meyers, dissenting, stated that only the Legislature could expand the statute. See “Case Law
and Attorney General Opinion Update” The Recorder (November 2013). It appears that the Legislature
valued Judge Meyers’ dissent. During the 84th Legislature, subsection (b-1) was added to Article 18.01
of the Code of Criminal Procedure authorizing communication of information supporting the issuance
of a search warrant by telephone or any other reliable electronic means. Additionally, a magistrate may
examine, under oath, an applicant or another person on whose testimony the application is based.
For traditionalists, subsection (b-1) marks a major departure from the “four-corners rule.” While the
warrant that is ultimately issued may contain all of the required and relevant information to establish
probable cause, the content within its four corners may look nothing like the initial proposed warrant. It
may contain scribbled additions, subtractions, and edits written in by a magistrate after questioning an
applicant or witness under oath over the phone. Many have seen this coming since the passage of H.B.
976 in the 82nd Legislature in 2011. See “Rounding the Corners: Criminal Application of the Four-
Corners Rule” The Recorder (June 2012).
If a search warrant as submitted fails to establish probable Considering additional information

cause, information communicated by telephone or other using Art. 18.01(b-1), C.C.P., is not
reliable electronic means may be considered by the magistrate required under the law. Alternately,
in determining whether to issue a search warrant. the magistrate may simply deny the
issuance of the warrant.
r 1. If the applicant, and any person on whose testimony Art. 18.01(b-1)(1), C.C.P.
the application is based, is available to testify
regarding additional facts, the magistrate may
examine the person(s). If the magistrate chooses to
do so, the magistrate shall:
r a. Place the applicant, or person on whose

testimony the application is based, under
oath;
r b. Acknowledge any attestation in writing on Art. 18.01(b-1)(2), C.C.P.

the affidavit if the applicant, or person on
whose testimony the application is based,
attests to the contents of the affidavit;
r c. Ensure that any testimony is recorded Art. 18.01(b-1)(2)(A), C.C.P.

verbatim by an electronic recording device,
by a court reporter, or in writing;

TMCEC Bench Book
r d. Ensure that any electronic recording, court Art. 18.01(b-1)(2)(B), C.C.P.

reporter’s notes, exhibits and any other
written record are transcribed, certified as
accurate and properly preserved; and
r e. Sign, certify the accuracy of, and preserve Art. 18.01 (b-1)(2)(D), C.C.P.
any other record; and ensure that the
exhibits are preserved.
r 2. The applicant for a search warrant for which Art. 18.01 (b-1)(3), C.C.P.
additional information is being considered, shall:
r a. Prepare a proposed duplicate original of the

warrant; and
r b. Read or transmit the contents of the

duplicate original warrant verbatim to the
magistrate.
r 3. The magistrate must ensure that the contents of Art. 18.01 (b-1)(3), C.C.P.
a proposed duplicate original warrant as read or
otherwise transmitted verbatim to the magistrate are
entered into an original warrant, which then may
serve as the original search warrant.
r 4. A magistrate that modifies a warrant for which Art. 18.01 (b-1)(4), C.C.P.
information is provided under Art. 18.01(b-1) shall:
r a. Transmit the modified version of the

warrant to the applicant by reliable
electronic means; or
r b. File the modified original and direct the

applicant to modify the proposed duplicate
original accordingly.
r 5. The magistrate who issues a warrant for which Art. 18.01 (b-1)(5), C.C.P.
information is provided under Art. 18.01(b-1) shall: Evidence obtained pursuant
to a search warrant for which
information was provided in
accordance with Section 18.01(b-
1) is not subject to suppression
on the ground that issuing the
warrant in compliance with this
subsection was unreasonable under
the circumstances, absent a finding
of bad faith. Art. 18.01 (b-1)(6),
C.C.P.

TMCEC Bench Book
r a. Sign the original documents;
r b. Enter the date and time of issuance on the

warrant; and
r c. Transmit the warrant by reliable electronic

means to the applicant or direct the
applicant to sign the judge’s name and enter
the date and time on the duplicate original.
r 6. Evidence obtained pursuant to a search warrant for Art. 18.01 (b-1) (6), C.C.P.
which information was provided in accordance with
Section 18.01(b-1) is not subject to suppression on
the ground that issuing the warrant in compliance
with this subsection was unreasonable under the
circumstances, absent a finding of bad faith.

TMCEC Bench Book

11. Search Warrant Return and the Immediate Disposition of Seized Property
r 1. Review the search warrant returned and determine:
r a. If the warrant was executed;
r b. The manner of execution; and
r c. If any articles were seized.
r 2. Enter an order directing where and with whom the See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:
seized property will be kept for safekeeping. Order Directing Safe Keeping of
Property Taken Under a Search
Warrant. Art 18.10, C.C.P.
r 3. Hold a hearing on any questions arising from the Art. 18.12, C.C.P.
execution of the search warrant.
r a. Discharge the defendant and release the Art. 18.13, C.C.P. This provision
property if good grounds for the issuance of presumably applies only if
the warrant are not shown. the defendant is also arrested,
perhaps under a combination
arrest/search warrant.
r b. Retain any criminal instruments seized and

order them to be held by the sheriff subject
to a subsequent order as provided by Articles
18.17, 18.18, and 18.19, C.C.P., or Chapter
59, C.C.P.
r 4. The property seized generally may not be removed Art. 18.10, C.C.P. Note that a
from the county without an order approving the blood specimen taken under Art.
removal signed by a magistrate in the county in which 18.067, C.C.P. may be removed
the warrant was issued. from the county in which it
was seized and returned to the
county in which the warrant was
issued without a court order. Art.
18.10(b), C.C.P.
r 5. File the search warrant with the clerk of the court Art. 18.15, C.C.P.
having jurisdiction of the case.
r a. Send a record of any proceedings to the court

of jurisdiction.

TMCEC Bench Book
r b. Retain a copy of all search warrants,

affidavits, returns, and related documents.
r 6. Make sure a copy of all warrants and affidavits Art. 15.26, C.C.P.
are provided to the clerk of the court for public See Checklist 2-12.
disclosure.

TMCEC Bench Book

12. Public Disclosure of Arrest Warrants and Affidavits
r 1. Persons arrested have a right to know under what Art. 15.26, C.C.P.
authority the arrest is made.
r 2. The officer making the arrest need not actually have

the warrant in his or her physical possession.
r 3. Upon request, the defendant has the right to see

the warrant and supporting affidavits as soon as
possible.
r 4. Warrants and supporting affidavits are public

information.
r 5. Unless temporarily sealed, the magistrate’s clerk Art. 18.01(b), C.C.P.

shall immediately, if executed, make a copy of An arrest warrant is executed by
warrants and affidavits. the arrest of the defendant. Art.
15.26, C.C.P. While “execution” is
not explicitly defined with regard
to search warrants, presumably it
happens upon searching the place
to be searched. Art. 18.06(b),
C.C.P.
The “magistrate’s clerk” is the

clerk of the court held by the judge
giving the judge authority as a
magistrate.
r a. Copies shall be available for public

inspection in the clerk’s office during
normal business hours.
r b. The clerk may charge for making copies.
r c. The clerk may not charge for the right to

inspect.
r d. An open records request is not necessary.
r e. A Rule 12 request is not necessary.

TMCEC Bench Book
r 6. An attorney representing the State in the Art. 18.01(b), C.C.P.

prosecution of felonies may request a district judge Art. 18.011, C.C.P.
or the judge of an appellate court to temporarily
seal an affidavit presented under Article 18.01(b),
C.C.P.
r a. A district or appellate judge may seal Art. 18.011(a), C.C.P.

the affidavit if the prosecuting attorney
establishes a compelling state interest
that either: (1) public disclosure of the
affidavit would jeopardize the safety of a
victim, witness, or confidential informant
or cause the destruction of evidence; or
(2) the affidavit contains information
obtained from a court-ordered wiretap that
has not expired at the time the attorney
representing the State requests the sealing
of the affidavit.
r b. The order may not prohibit the disclosure Art. 18.011(d), C.C.P.
of information relating to the contents of a
search warrant, return of a search warrant,
or inventory of the property taken pursuant
to a search warrant, or affect the right of
the defendant to discover the contents of
an affidavit. When the order expires, the
affidavit must be unsealed.

TMCEC Bench Book

13. The Capias Pro Fine
A capias pro fine is a post-judgment enforcement mechanism for unpaid fines and/or court costs. Article
45.045 of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires judges to hold a show cause hearing to determine
whether the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the defendant prior to issuing a capias pro fine.
A court has discretion when making a determination of undue hardship, but Article 45.0491 provides a
list of criteria that courts are authorized to consider: Additionally, a court must recall a capias pro fine
if, before the capias pro fine is executed, (1) the defendant provides notice to the justice or judge that
they have difficulty paying in compliance with the judgment and a hearing is set, or (2) the defendant
voluntarily appears and makes a good faith effort to resolve the capias pro fine.
The issuance of a capias pro fine authorizes an arrest, but it is neither an arrest warrant (see Checklist
2-1), nor is it a capias (see Checklist 2-2). Remember that converting a fine and/or court costs to a term
of confinement when a defendant is unable to pay violates the defendant’s constitutional rights. The 14th
Amendment requires that defendants accused of fine-only offenses be provided “alternative means” of
discharging the judgment to avoid incarceration (via time-payment plans or discharge through community
service.) Tate v. Short, 401 U.S. 395 (1971). See “Pay or Lay: Tate v. Short Revisited,” The Recorder
(March 2003).
A capias pro fine is a writ: (1) issued by a court having Art. 43.015(2), C.C.P. Special rules
jurisdiction of a case after judgment and sentence for unpaid apply to capias pro fines issued for
fines and costs; and (2) directed to any peace officer of the State offenses committed by those under
of Texas commanding the officer to arrest a person convicted age 17. See Checklist 13-22.See
of an offense and bring the arrested person before that court TMCEC 2022 Forms Book: Capias
immediately or on a day or at a term stated in the writ. Pro Fine; The Municipal Judges
Book: Chapter 5.
r 1. Prior to issuing a capias pro fine for the defendant’s Art. 45.045(a-2), C.C.P. See
failure to satisfy the judgment according to its terms TMCEC 2022 Forms Book: Show
the court must hold a hearing to determine whether Cause Prior to Issuing a Capias Pro
the judgment imposes an undue hardship on the Fine.
defendant.
Judges may allow a defendant
to appear by telephone or
videoconference if a personal
appearance would impose an
undue hardship. Arts. 45.0201 and
45.0445, C.C.P.
r 2. A court has discretion when making a Art. 45.0491, C.C.P.

determination of undue hardship, but is authorized
to consider:
r a. Significant physical or mental impairment

or disability;

TMCEC Bench Book
r b. Pregnancy and childbirth;
r c. Substantial family commitments or

responsibilities, including child or
dependent care;
r d. Work responsibilities and hours;
r e. Transportation limitations;
r f. Homelessness or housing insecurity; and
r g. Any other factor the court determines

relevant.
r 3. At the hearing: Art. 45.045(a-3), C.C.P.
r a. If the judge finds the judgment to impose

an undue hardship, the judge must
determine how the fine and costs should be
satisfied.
r b. If a justice or judge determines that the Art. 45.045(a-4), C.C.P.

judgment does not impose an undue
hardship, the judge must order the
defendant to comply with the judgment
not later than the 30th day after the
determination is made.
r 4. The court may issue a capias pro fine only if the Art. 45.045(a-2), C.C.P. See
defendant fails to: TMCEC 2022 Forms Book: Clerk’s
Affidavit for Capias Pro Fine.
r a. Appear at the show cause hearing; or
r b. Comply with an order issued at a show

cause hearing.
r 5. A capias pro fine may be issued in electronic form. Art. 43.021, C.C.P.
r 6. A capias pro fine shall recite the judgment and Arts. 43.05(a), C.C.P. and
sentence and command the peace officer to 43.045(a), C.C.P.
immediately bring the arrested person to court.
r 7. A court must recall a capias pro fine if, before the Art. 45.045(a-5), C.C.P.
capias pro fine is executed, the defendant:

TMCEC Bench Book
r a. Provides notice to the justice or judge that This reconsideration hearing

they have difficulty paying in compliance was created by the Legislature
with the judgment and a reconsideration in 2019, and judges may allow a
hearing is set, or defendant to appear by telephone
or videoconference if a personal
appearance would impose an
undue hardship. Arts. 45.0201 and
45.0445, C.C.P.
r b. Voluntarily appears and makes a good faith

effort to resolve the capias pro fine.
r 8. A capias pro fine authorizes a peace officer to Art. 43.045(a), C.C.P.

place the defendant in jail until the business day
following the date of the defendant’s arrest if
the defendant cannot be brought before the court
immediately.
r 9. If the court that issued the capias pro fine is Art. 45.045(a-1), C.C.P.
unavailable, the arresting officer may take the
defendant to one of the following locations in lieu
of placing the defendant in jail:
r a. if the court that issued the capias pro fine

was a justice of the peace, to a justice
of the peace or county criminal law
magistrate court with jurisdiction over
Class C misdemeanors that is located
within the same county; or
r b. if the court that issued the capias pro fine Most municipal courts are
was a municipal court, to a municipal unified, but state law does allow
court judge that is located within the for the creation of multiple
same city. municipal courts. Capias pro
fine commitment hearings may
be heard at any court (or by any
judge) in the city.
r 10. A capias pro fine may be issued to any county in Art. 43.06, C.C.P.
the State and shall be executed as in other cases,
but no bail shall be taken.
r 11. A capias pro fine may issue simultaneously with Arts. 43.07 and 45.047, C.C.P.
civil enforcement of the judgment (i.e., execution).

TMCEC Bench Book
r 12. When a judgment and sentence have been entered Art. 45.046(a), C.C.P. See TMCEC
against a defendant and the defendant defaults in 2022 Forms Book: Order of
the discharge of the judgment, the judge may order Commitment; Judgment/Jail Credit
the defendant confined in jail until discharged Addendum.
by law if the judge at a hearing makes a written
determination that either:
r a. The defendant is not indigent and has failed

to make a good faith effort to discharge the
fine or costs; or
r b. The defendant is indigent and:
r (1) has failed to make a good faith Note: Article 45.0491, C.C.P.,
effort to discharge the fine or authorizes the waiver of fines and
costs under Article 45.049, C.C.P. costs if the defendant defaults in
(community service); and payment and the court determines
that (1) the defendant is indigent
and (2) the performance of
community service would
constitute an undue hardship on the
defendant.
r (2) could have discharged the fine or

costs under Article 45.049, C.C.P.,
(community service) without
experiencing any undue hardship.
r 13. A certified copy of the judgment, sentence, and Art. 45.046(b), C.C.P.
order is sufficient to authorize confinement.
r 14. The court should set out a period of time between Art. 45.048, C.C.P.
eight and 24 hours as the period the defendant must
remain in jail to satisfy not less than $150 of the Jail credit for time served before
fine and costs owed. the judgment must be credited
to each case concurrently. Post-
judgment credit can be ordered
to be served consecutively (or
stacked) by the court if all cases
with which the fine is to be treated
consecutively are identified in the
order. Ex parte Hannington, 832
S.W.2d 355 (Tex. Crim App.
1992); Tex. Atty. Gen. Op. JC-
0393 (2001); Ex parte Minjares,
582 S.W.2d 105 (Tex. Crim. App.
1978).

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TMCEC Bench Book

CHAPTER 2 SEARCH WARRANTS, ARREST WARRANTS, AND OTHER WRITS

Checklist 2-1 Script/Notes

r 1. No arrest warrant shall issue without probable Art. 1.06, C.C.P.

r a. When a verbal order of arrest is proper; Art. 15.03(a)(1), C.C.P.

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 67 December 2021

r 2. The arrest warrant: See TMCEC 2022 Forms Book:

r a. Issues in the name of “The State of Texas;”

r b. Names the person to be arrested, if known,

r (1) Nickname or “street” name;

r (4) Height and weight;

r (5) Identifying marks; and

r (6) Ethnic origin.

r c. Alleges the commission of some offense

r d. Is signed by a magistrate with his or her

r a. The name of the accused, if known,

r b. The time and place of the commission of

r c. Sufficient facts to support a finding of

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 68 December 2021

r (1) Committed the offense charged;

r (2) Committed it within the period

r 4. The specific requisites of the complaint or affidavit See Checklist 2-4.

r 6. Make sure a copy of any warrant or affidavit Art. 15.26, C.C.P.

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 69 December 2021

CHAPTER 2 SEARCH WARRANTS, ARREST WARRANTS, AND OTHER WRITS

Checklist 2-2 Script/Notes

r 1. A “capias” as defined in Chapter 23, is a writ Art. 23.01, C.C.P.

r a. A Chapter 23 capias must:

r (1) Issue in the name of “The State of

r (2) Name the person whose arrest is

r (3) Specify which penal offense the

r (4) State the name of the court to

r (5) Contain the date and an official Art. 23.02, C.C.P.

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 70 December 2021

r c. A capias may be issued in electronic form Art. 23.031, C.C.P.

r d. A capias shall be issued when a bail Art. 23.05, C.C.P.

r e. Make sure copies of all capiases and Art. 15.26, C.C.P.

r 2. A “capias” as defined in Chapter 43 is a writ that is: Art. 43.015(1), C.C.P.

r a. The court may issue a capias, as defined in Art. 43.04, C.C.P

r b. A capias, issued pursuant to Chapter 43, Art. 43.021, C.C.P.

r c. A capias may be issued to any county in Art. 43.06, C.C.P.

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 71 December 2021

CHAPTER 2 SEARCH WARRANTS, ARREST WARRANTS, AND OTHER WRITS

Checklist 2-3 Script/Notes

r a. A date and time, occurring within the 30-

r b. The name and address of the court with

r c. Information regarding alternatives to the

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 72 December 2021

r d. A statement that the defendant may be

r e. An explanation of the consequences if the

r 2. The defendant must fail to appear before the justice

r 3. A defendant who receives notice may request an Art. 45.014(f), C.C.P.

r a. Issues in the name of “The State of Texas;” Art. 45.014(b)(1), C.C.P.

r b. Is directed to the proper peace officer or Art. 45.014(b)(2), C.C.P.

r c. Includes a command that the body of the Art. 45.014(b)(3), C.C.P.

r e. States that the person is accused of some Art. 45.014(b)(5), C.C.P.

Chapter 2 — Search and Arrest Warrants 73 December 2021

r f. Is signed by the judge, naming the office Art. 45.014(b)(6), C.C.P.