A felony may be prosecuted without a warrant if done in presence of a magistrate. What is required for this to occur?

For a felony prosecution to occur without a warrant in the presence of a magistrate, it is essential that the magistrate gives verbal orders. This provision is based on the authority granted to magistrates under Texas law, where they can issue a verbal directive to initiate prosecution in situations where they directly observe the commission of a felony. This allows for immediate action and eliminates the need for prior warrant approval, streamlining the judicial process in urgent situations.

The other options do not align with the established legal framework. For instance, prosecutors or police chiefs may not have the authority to bypass the requirement for a warrant without direct magistrate consent. Similarly, requiring witness signature approval would complicate the process unnecessarily, as the magistrate’s verbal command is sufficient when a felony is witnessed directly. Understanding the role of the magistrate in these scenarios is crucial for grasping the procedural dynamics around felony prosecutions in Texas.