(a) On recommendation from the local administrative judge, the commissioners court of Brazoria County may appoint one or more full- or part-time judges to preside over the criminal law magistrate court for the term determined by the commissioners court. The local administrative judge shall appoint one or more full- or part-time judges to preside over the criminal law magistrate court if the commissioners court is prohibited by law from appointing a judge.
(b) To be eligible for appointment as a judge of the criminal law magistrate court, a person must meet all the requirements and qualifications to serve as a district court judge.
(c) A judge of the criminal law magistrate court is entitled to the salary set by the commissioners court. The salary may not be less than the annual base salary paid to a district judge under Section 659.012(a)(1) and must include compensation for services performed on behalf of Brazoria County.
(d) A judge appointed under this section serves at the pleasure of the commissioners court or the local administrative judge, as applicable.