(a) Misdemeanor Cases. All misdemeanor cases shall be
assigned to a magistrate judge upon the filing of an information,
complaint, or violation notice, or upon the return of an
indictment.
(b) Felony Cases. Upon the return of an indictment or the
filing of an information or complaint, all felony cases shall be
referred to a magistrate judge for the conduct of bail or
detention proceedings, preliminary hearings, arraignment, and
entry of not guilty pleas as are permitted by these rules.
