Authority of magistrate.

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  • (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, a magistrate as defined in Section 77-1-3 shall have the authority to:
    • (a) commit a person to incarceration prior to trial;
    • (b) set or deny bail under Section 77-20-205 and release upon the payment of monetary bail, as defined in Section 77-20-102, and satisfaction of any other conditions of release;
    • (c) issue to any place in the state summonses and warrants of search and arrest and authorize administrative traffic checkpoints under Section 77-23-104;
    • (d) conduct an initial appearance;
    • (e) conduct arraignments;
    • (f) conduct a preliminary examination to determine probable cause;
    • (g) appoint attorneys and order recoupment of attorney fees;
    • (h) order the preparation of presentence investigations and reports;
    • (i) issue temporary orders as provided by rule of the Judicial Council; and
    • (j) perform any other act or function authorized by statute.
  • (2) A judge of the justice court may exercise the authority of a magistrate specified in Subsection (1) with the following limitations:
    • (a) a judge of the justice court may conduct an initial appearance, preliminary examination, or arraignment as provided by rule of the Judicial Council; and
    • (b) a judge of the justice court may not perform any act or function in a capital felony case.




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