F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

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MAGISTRATES

DAVID HUGHES
DWAYNE LEDFORD
CHARLES PITTMAN
RANDY VIRNELSON

    The magistrates are supervised by our Chief District Court Judge, The Honorable Alexander Lyerly.  Every magistrate is required to attend initial training sessions and yearly training sessions to familiarize themselves with any changes that may occur in North Carolina legislative sessions.  All hearings held before a magistrate are scheduled at the Bakersville magistrate's office.  Magistrates are frequently the first person in our judicial system that an alleged wrongdoer or victim usually meets.  They are on duty 24 hours a day and can be in the Bakersville Office or the Spruce Pine Office within minutes if needed.  They are required by our Superior Court Judge, to be in either of their offices a minimum of 7 hours per shift.     

MAGISTRATE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

     The Magistrate is a judicial official of the District Court Division.  In criminal cases, magistrates issue arrest warrants, conduct initial appearances and determine conditions of pretrial release.  For some crimes they may accept guilty pleas, impose punishment and even conduct trails.  In civil cases, they preside over the trial of small ($5,000 or less).  At least one magistrate is appointed in each county as an officer of the court. Mitchell County has four.   Candidates are nominated by the Clerk of Superior Court, appointed by the senior resident Superior Court Judge and supervised by the Chief District Court Judge. 

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