(a) In this article:
(1) “Religious organization” means an organization that meets the standards for qualifying as a religious organization under § 11.20, Tax Code.

Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 29.011

  • Affidavit: means a statement in writing of a fact or facts signed by the party making it, sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by the officer under his seal of office. See Texas Government Code 312.011
  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(2) “Religious holy day” means a day on which the tenets of a religious organization prohibit its members from participating in secular activities, such as court proceedings.
(b) If a defendant, an attorney representing the defendant, or an attorney representing the state in a criminal action is required to appear at a court proceeding on a religious holy day observed by the person, the court shall continue the action.
(c) A defendant or attorney seeking a continuance must file with the court an affidavit stating:
(1) the grounds for the continuance; and
(2) that the person holds religious beliefs that prohibit him from taking part in a court proceeding on the day for which the continuance is sought.
(d) An affidavit filed under Subsection (c) of this article is proof of the facts stated and need not be corroborated.

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