Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 45A.403

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Justice: when applied to a magistrate, means justice of the peace. See Texas Government Code 312.011

Notwithstanding any other law, a county, justice, or municipal court may dismiss a charge against a defendant alleging the defendant committed an offense under § 25.093, Education Code, if the court finds that a dismissal would be in the interest of justice because:
(1) there is a low likelihood of recidivism by the defendant; or
(2) sufficient justification exists for the failure of the defendant’s child to attend school.


Text of article effective on January 01, 2025