DISPOSITION OF MISDEMEANOR ACTIONS
(a) Authorization. Each Magistrate Judge is designated to try persons
accused of misdemeanors and petty offenses and to sentence such persons upon
conviction. See L.R. 302(b)(2).
(b) Pretrial and Post-Trial Matters. Except as set forth herein, the Magistrate
Judge to whom a misdemeanor or petty offense action is assigned shall have the authority
to hear and dispose of all pretrial or post-trial matters arising in that action.
(c) Jury Trials. When a defendant requests a jury trial in an action pending
before a Magistrate Judge in Bakersfield, Redding, or Yosemite National Park the
Magistrate Judge may set the matter for trial in Sacramento or Fresno or may transfer the
action to Sacramento or Fresno for trial. See L.R. 120(d).
(d) Presentence Reports. Each Magistrate Judge is authorized to direct the
Probation Office to conduct a presentence investigation and to render a report as
provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 32 and L.R. 460. Such requests by Magistrate Judges in
misdemeanor petty offense actions shall be limited to those actions in which the
Magistrate Judge determines that exceptional circumstances exist. See L.R. 460.
