(1) "Religious organization" means an organization that meets the standards for qualifying as a religious organization under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
(2) "Religious holy day" means a day on which the tenets of a religious organization prohibit its members from participating in secular activities, such as court proceedings.
(b) If a defendant, an attorney representing the defendant, or an attorney representing the state in a criminal action is required to appear at a court proceeding on a religious holy day observed by the person, the court shall continue the action.
(c) A defendant or attorney seeking a continuance must file with the court an affidavit stating:
(1) the grounds for the continuance; and
(2) that the person holds religious beliefs that prohibit him from taking part in a court proceeding on the day for which the continuance is sought.
(d) An affidavit filed under Subsection (c) of this article is proof of the facts stated and need not be corroborated.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 825, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
Subsecs. (b), (c) amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 815, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 1 - Code of Criminal Procedure
Article 29.01. By Operation of Law
Article 29.011. Religious Holy Day
Article 29.012. Religious Holy Day
Article 29.03. For Sufficient Cause Shown
Article 29.035. For Insufficient Notice of Hearing or Trial
Article 29.04. First Motion by State
Article 29.05. Subsequent Motion by State
Article 29.06. First Motion by Defendant
Article 29.07. Subsequent Motion by Defendant
Article 29.08. Motion Sworn To
Article 29.09. Controverting Motion
Article 29.10. When Denial Is Filed
Article 29.12. Bail Resulting From Continuance