The municipal court shall have jurisdiction:
(1) over all criminal cases arising under the ordinances of the city within the city limits and outside the limits to the extent authorized by state law;
(2) concurrent with the appropriate state court of all criminal cases arising under the criminal laws of the state, where the offense is committed within the city limits of Dallas and the penalty does not exceed that which is established for municipal courts by state law;
(3) over the forfeiture and collection of bonds given in proceedings therein, and to order the forfeiture of cash acceptance bonds upon failure of the defendant to appear, and to accept same in lieu of a fine;
(4) over cases involving a license or permit granted by the city for any calling, occupation, business or vocation. In addition to the punishment to be imposed therefor, the court may suspend or revoke the license or permit so granted;
(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;
(6) punish for contempt, admit to bail, and forfeit bonds under such circumstances and as provided by county courts, or county courts exercising criminal jurisdiction only;
(7) over all other matters and cases provided for by state law or city ordinance. (Amend. of 6-12-73, Prop. No. 16)
Each of the municipal courts of the City of Dallas shall be presided over by a judge or judges, each of whom shall be designated as municipal judge. Each judge shall be a practicing attorney of good standing. Biennially in May of each even-numbered year, the municipal judges shall be appointed by the council, which appointment shall designate the administrative judge. Each municipal judge shall hold office for two years from the date of appointment or until a successor is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the council. In the event of any vacancy in the office of municipal judge by death, resignation, or otherwise, the city council shall appoint a qualified attorney to fill the unexpired term as municipal judge. The administrative judge designated by the city council shall be the administrative head of the judiciary of the city. As such, the administrative judge shall promulgate work rules concerning the administration of the court dockets, the times and places for holding court, equalizing of the case assignments, the vacation schedules, and other administrative details concerned with the judicial performance of the municipal courts, which rules shall be submitted to the city manager and city attorney for comment prior to adoption by the city council. Once adopted, the administrative judge shall be responsible to see that the rules are adhered to by all courts. The administrative judge shall make such reports as may be required by the city council. (Amend. of 6-12-73, Prop. No. 17; Amend. of 4-6-85, Prop. No. 2; Amend. of 11-8-05, Prop. No. 13)
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