Texas Municipal Court Clerk Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

The authority to grant Deferred Sentencing Contracts (DSC) resides exclusively with judges. This is because judges have the judicial power to determine the terms of sentencing and can decide whether to allow a defendant to enter into a deferred adjudication agreement based on the circumstances of the case.

Judicial discretion plays a crucial role in these decisions. Judges assess various factors, including the nature of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and the potential for rehabilitation. By having this power, judges ensure that each decision aligns with the principles of justice and the individual's situation.

While court clerks and district attorneys may be involved in the administrative aspects or may recommend such contracts, they do not possess the authority to formalize the agreements. Magistrates, in certain jurisdictions, might have similar powers as judges, but the question specifies the granting of DSC, which is a function reserved for judges in the context of municipal courts. Therefore, the answer correctly identifies the role of judges in this legal process.