Texas § CR.1.13 - WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § CR.1.13 — WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ CR.1.13. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY
WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. (a) The defendant in a criminal prosecution for any offense other than a capital felony case in which the state notifies the court and the defendant that it will seek the death penalty shall have the right, upon entering a plea, to waive the right of trial by jury, conditioned, however, that, except as provided by Article 27.19 , the waiver must be made in person by the defendant in writing in open court with the consent and approval of the court, and the attorney representing the state. The consent and approval by the court shall be entered of record on the minutes of the court, and the consent and approval of the attorney representing the state shall be in writing, signed by that attorney, and filed in the papers of the cause before the defendant enters the defendant's plea. (b) In a capital felony case in which the attorney representing the State notifies the court and the defendant that it will not seek the death penalty, the defendant may waive the right to trial by jury but only if the attorney representing the State, in writing and in open court, consents to the waiver. (c) A defendant may agree to waive a jury trial regardless of whether the defendant is represented by an attorney at the time of making the waiver, but before a defendant charged with a felony who has no attorney can agree to waive the jury, the court must appoint an attorney to represent him. Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 652, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 285, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1031 (H.B. 2847 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § CR.1.13
What does The Texas Constitution § CR.1.13 cover?
Section CR.1.13 ("WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § CR.1.13?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § CR.1.13" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § CR.1.13 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.