Also known as: US Magistrate · United States Magistrate · U.S. Magistrates · US Magistrates · magistrate judge · federal magistrate
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A federal judicial officer appointed to assist United States district judges by conducting preliminary criminal proceedings, managing civil pretrial matters, and performing other duties delegated by statute or local rule.
Federal agents contact Uriel Urban, a magistrate judge, by telephone with a sworn complaint and affidavits alleging that Uriah Urban diverted payments through hacked credentials. Uriel Urban places the agents under oath, examines the supporting information, and determines that probable cause exists. Uriel Urban then issues a summons rather than an arrest warrant at the prosecutor's request.
Officers arrest Uma Upadhyay in the district where the alleged offense occurred. Because no magistrate judge is reasonably available, the officers bring Uma Upadhyay before a state judicial officer for the initial appearance. The state officer confirms the complaint establishes probable cause and sets conditions of release.
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Unity Capital sues Ulysses Maritime in federal court over a contract dispute. The district judge refers all pretrial matters to Uri Underwood, a magistrate judge. Uri Underwood issues a scheduling order and oversees discovery disputes between the parties.
Federal agents execute a warrant obtained from Ursula Ung, a magistrate judge, against Union Steel's facility. Union Steel later challenges the warrant's validity in a suppression motion. Ursula Ung's earlier probable cause determination becomes the focal point of the hearing.
Uptown Apparel faces federal charges for a regulatory violation carrying a maximum six-month sentence. Uriah Urban, the magistrate judge, presides over the bench trial after the defendant waives a jury. The limited penalty confirms the magistrate's authority to conduct the proceeding.
Uma Underwood appears before magistrate judge Uri Urban for arraignment on fraud charges along with two codefendants. Uri Urban appoints separate counsel after inquiring into potential conflicts rather than assigning one attorney to all three. The appointment ensures each defendant receives conflict-free representation from the outset.
A magistrate judge may consider information communicated by telephone or other reliable electronic means when reviewing a complaint or deciding whether to issue a warrant or summons. The judge must place the applicant and any supporting witnesses under oath and may examine them before deciding. This procedure allows prompt action without requiring physical presence in court.
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The initial appearance must be held in the district where the offense was allegedly committed. If a magistrate judge is not reasonably available, a state or local judicial officer may conduct the appearance instead. This rule ensures prompt judicial review while accommodating practical availability constraints.
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Yes. When authorized by local rule, a magistrate judge may issue scheduling orders and manage pretrial proceedings referred by the district judge. The magistrate judge exercises the authority delegated by the district court in the specific case.
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…a statement of reasons for its enactment and reducing the minimum distance from any school to 1,000 feet. In November 1982, the Federal Magistrate to whom respondents' action had been referred recommended the entry of a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the Renton ordinance and the denial of Renton's motions to dismiss and…