Texas § CR.4.18 - CLAIM OF UNDERAGE
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § CR.4.18 — CLAIM OF UNDERAGE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ CR.4.18. CLAIM OF UNDERAGE
CLAIM OF UNDERAGE. (a) A claim that a district court or criminal district court does not have jurisdiction over a person because jurisdiction is exclusively in the juvenile court and that the juvenile court could not waive jurisdiction under Section 8.07 (a), Penal Code, or did not waive jurisdiction under Section 8.07 (b), Penal Code, must be made by written motion in bar of prosecution filed with the court in which criminal charges against the person are filed. (b) The motion must be filed and presented to the presiding judge of the court: (1) if the defendant enters a plea of guilty or no contest, before the plea; (2) if the defendant's guilt or punishment is tried or determined by a jury, before selection of the jury begins; or (3) if the defendant's guilt is tried by the court, before the first witness is sworn. (c) Unless the motion is not contested, the presiding judge shall promptly conduct a hearing without a jury and rule on the motion. The party making the motion has the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence those facts necessary for the motion to prevail. (d) A person may not contest the jurisdiction of the court on the ground that the juvenile court has exclusive jurisdiction if: (1) the person does not file a motion within the time requirements of this article; or (2) the presiding judge finds under Subsection (c) that a motion made under this article does not prevail. (e) An appellate court may review a trial court's determination under this article, if otherwise authorized by law, only after conviction in the trial court. (f) A court that finds that it lacks jurisdiction over a case because exclusive jurisdiction is in the juvenile court shall transfer the case to the juvenile court as provided by Section 51.08 , Family Code. (g) This article does not apply to a claim of a defect or error in a discretionary transfer proceeding in juvenile court. A defendant may appeal a defect or error only as provided by Chapter 56 , Family Code. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 80, eff. Jan. 1, 1996. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1477, Sec. 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Subsec. (g) added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1477, Sec. 28, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 74 (S.B. 888 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § CR.4.18
What does The Texas Constitution § CR.4.18 cover?
Section CR.4.18 ("CLAIM OF UNDERAGE") 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.4.18?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § CR.4.18" (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.4.18 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.