What is the purpose of "magistration" under the Texas CCP?

The purpose of "magistration" under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure is to inform an arrested person of the charges against them and their rights. This process is critical in protecting the legal rights of individuals who have been detained, ensuring that they are aware of the legal proceedings that are about to ensue and the nature of the accusations being made against them. During magistration, an individual is typically informed of their rights to counsel and the right to remain silent, which are fundamental to ensuring fair legal representation and due process.

The importance of this procedure lies in its role in the justice system—ensuring transparency and protection for the accused, which ultimately upholds the integrity of the legal process. This is distinct from other functions in the criminal justice system, such as sentencing, which occurs only after a conviction, preliminary hearings that do not take place during magistration, and plea bargaining, which occurs at a later stage in the judicial process.