The City Council shall, by ordinance, create and provide for
a Municipal Court to be known as the Municipal Court of the City of
Celina, Texas, and may appoint one or more Municipal Judges to serve
in such Court The Court shall have all the powers and duties as are
now or as may hereafter be prescribed by the laws of the state of
Texas in connection with the adjudication of misdemeanor offenses
within its jurisdiction.
The Judge of the Municipal Court, and all alternates, shall
be competent, duly qualified, and licensed attorneys in the state
of Texas. The Judge of the Municipal Court shall be appointed by the
City Council to a term of three (3) years and may be appointed to
additional and consecutive terms. The Judge shall serve at the will
and pleasure of the City Council and receive such compensation as
may be determined by the City Council. This compensation shall be
fixed, and be commensurate with the duties performed by the Judge.
(Amended 5/7/16)
There shall be a Clerk of the Municipal Court appointed by the
City Manager. The Clerk of the Court and any Deputies appointed by
the City Manager shall have the power to administer oaths and affidavits,
make certificates, affix the seal of said Court as necessary and as
required by law, and in general, do and perform any and all acts usual
and necessary to be performed by clerks and deputy clerks of municipal
courts of the state of Texas.
The Municipal Court shall have jurisdiction:
(1)
Over
the forfeiture and collection of bonds given in proceedings therein,
and to order the forfeiture of cash acceptance bonds upon the failure
of the defendant to appear, and to accept the same in lieu of a fine;
(2)
Concurrent
with the appropriate State Court on all criminal cases arising under
the criminal laws of the State, where the offense is committed within
the City limits and the penalty does not exceed that which is established
for Municipal Courts by State law;
(3)
Over
all criminal cases arising under the ordinances of the City within
the City limits and outside the City limits to the extent authorized
by State law;
(4)
Punish
for contempt, admit to bail, and forfeit bonds under such circumstances
and as provided by law;
(5)
Enforce
all process of the Courts in accordance with State law and City ordinances,
punish witnesses for failing to obey subpoenas, and compel their attendance
by process of attachment.
All costs, fines, and penalties imposed by the Municipal Court
shall be paid into the City Treasury for the use and benefit of the
City, as may be consistent with present and future State laws.
