Magistrate Court is where defendants in criminal cases first appear soon after they are arrested. The Magistrate Judge will review the charges to determine whether or not there is probable cause for the arrest and detention of the defendant. The Magistrate Judge will inform defendants of their charges, their legal rights, decide whether or not to set bail, consider whether personal bond is appropriate, issue an Order Setting the Bail amount, issue an Order of Conditions of Release on Bond, and facilitate or make the appointment of an attorney to represent the Defendant, if appropriate.  The Judge may also issue Emergency Protective Orders in those cases which the need arises for the protection of the victim.

Magistration will include defendants charged with misdemeanors as well as felony offenses. Bail is the money or property pledged to the court directly or indirectly through the services of a surety or bail bond company as a guarantee that a defendant who is released from jail will return and appear for their court hearings.

Magistrate Court is held every day, even on holidays. At Magistration, the Magistrate Judge will not ask for or receive a plea on the charged offense(s). Such pleas may only be received in the Court when and where the defendant's case is filed by the prosecutor. The District Court, County Court-at-Law, Municipal Court, or Justice or Peace are the Courts where a defendant will enter a plea to the crime with which they are charged.

"A Judge... shall not directly or indirectly initiate, permit, nor consider ex parte or other private communications concerning the merits of a pending or impending judicial proceeding. A Judge shall require compliance with this subsection by court personnel subject to his or her direction and control..." Judicial Code of Conduct Cannon 3 Section A(5).  With this rule in mind, communication with the Magistrate Court and Court staff are limited.