Description
Preside over pretrial and select trial proceedings, issue warrants, resolve nondispositive matters, and make recommendations on dispositive issues. Handle misdemeanor and petty offense cases and, with party consent, conduct civil trials while ensuring due process and adherence to procedural rules.
- • Conduct initial appearances, arraignments, and bail/detention hearings.
- • Issue search and arrest warrants, criminal complaints, and summonses upon probable cause.
- • Conduct preliminary hearings to determine probable cause in felony cases.
- • Decide nondispositive pretrial motions and enter scheduling and case-management orders.
- • Resolve discovery disputes and rule on evidentiary issues at pretrial proceedings.
- • Prepare reports and recommendations on dispositive motions referred by district judges.
- • Preside over misdemeanor and petty offense trials and impose sentences on conviction.
- • Conduct civil trials and enter judgment with the consent of all parties.
- • Hold settlement, mediation, and status conferences to facilitate resolution and case progress.
- • Conduct voir dire and instruct juries in misdemeanor or consent civil jury trials.
- • Take felony guilty pleas for recommendation when authorized and issue findings to the district judge.
- • Review prisoner civil rights and habeas petitions and issue appropriate orders or recommendations.
- • Draft and issue written orders, opinions, and minute entries.
- • Monitor courtroom proceedings to ensure compliance with procedural and evidentiary rules.
- • Advise attorneys, litigants, and court staff on procedures, deadlines, and expectations.
- • Enforce court orders and impose sanctions for discovery abuses or noncompliance when appropriate.
- • Coordinate with pretrial services and probation on release conditions and compliance.
- • Manage dockets and case calendars in coordination with chambers and clerk’s office.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
