Except as hereinafter provided, a United States magistrate judge appointed in this district is
authorized and designated to exercise powers and duties consistent with the United States
Constitution, 28 U.S.C. ' 636, other statutes as may be applicable, and the Federal Rules of
Criminal Procedure. Those powers and duties may include, but are not limited to, those enumerated
in this rule.
(A) ASSIGNMENT OF MATTERS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGES
(1) GENERAL ASSIGNMENT
The clerk will assign cases or duties in a case to a magistrate judge and allocate
duties among the magistrate judges of the court in accordance with this rule,
standing orders of the court, or by special reference of a district judge, which
reference may be by formal order or informal request. This rule does not preclude
a district judge from reserving a proceeding for decision by a district judge rather
than a magistrate judge. Assignment of duties or cases to a magistrate judge will
generally be based on geographic location of the magistrate judge’s chambers.
(2) CASE ASSIGNMENT
(a) Misdemeanor Cases.
(i) Class A Misdemeanors. Class A misdemeanor cases are assigned to
a magistrate judge upon filing of the charges. The magistrate judge
will handle all pretrial proceedings and, upon consent of the
defendant, conduct trial or guilty plea proceedings, sentence the
defendant, enter judgment, and conduct post-conviction
proceedings.
(ii) Petty Offenses (Class B Misdemeanors, Class C Misdemeanors, and
Infractions). Petty offense cases are assigned to a magistrate judge
upon filing of the charges. The magistrate judge will handle all
proceedings.
(b) Felony Cases. Pre-indictment proceedings are conducted by a magistrate
judge. Upon filing of an indictment, the case is assigned to a district judge.
A magistrate judge will conduct initial appearances, arraignments, and other
duties by general reference, specific order of reference, or informal request
of a district judge.
Effective October 6, 2025
CRIMINAL RULES
(B) DUTIES IN CRIMINAL MATTERS
The magistrate judges of this court are authorized and designated to exercise the following
duties in criminal matters:
(1) Conduct all proceedings in class A misdemeanor cases, including conducting jury
or bench trials, accepting guilty pleas, sentencing, entering judgments, and
conducting post-conviction proceedings, with the defendant’s consent to proceed
before a magistrate judge;
(2) Conduct all proceedings in petty offense cases;
(3) Conduct pre-indictment and pretrial proceedings in felony investigations and cases,
including issuing arrest and search warrants; determining probable cause for filing
complaints; conducting initial appearances, preliminary hearings, arraignments,
detention hearings, and Fed. R. Crim. P. 40 removal proceedings; setting release
conditions; addressing extradition and consent to transfer; and addressing
appointment and substitution of an attorney;
(4) Conduct all pre-adjudication hearing proceedings in juvenile delinquency cases;
(5) Conduct case management conferences and determine non-dispositive motions if
designated by a district judge (28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A));
(6) Issue reports and recommended findings, including conducting evidentiary
hearings when necessary, on evidentiary motions and case dispositive motions (28
U.S.C. ' 636(b)(1)(B)) in felony cases and misdemeanor cases proceeding before
a district judge, upon designation by a district judge;
(7) Issue reports and recommended findings when accepting guilty pleas in felony
cases and in misdemeanor cases proceeding before a district judge, if designated by
a district judge and upon consent of the defendant;
(8) Conduct preliminary proceedings on felony probation or supervised release
revocation or modification petitions, and if designated by a district judge, conduct
the final hearing and issue a report and recommended findings to a district judge;
(9) Empanel grand juries and receive grand jury returns;
Effective October 6, 2025
CRIMINAL RULES
(10) Conduct jury voir dire and selection in felony cases and class A misdemeanor cases
proceeding before a district judge, upon designation by a district judge and upon
consent of the parties;
(11) Issue subpoenas, writs of habeas corpus ad testificandum and habeas corpus ad
prosequendum, and other orders necessary to obtain the presence of parties,
witnesses, or evidence needed for court proceedings;
(12) Issue warrants for searches and seizures that are not within the purview of Fed. R.
Crim. P. 41;
(13) Issue warrants of arrest for individuals who have been determined, under 18 U.S.C.
' 3144, to be material witnesses;
(14) Issue orders authorizing the installation and use of devices, including traps and
traces, pen registers, and mobile tracking devices, and issue orders directing an
electronic communication service provider or a remote computing service to
provide assistance to a named federal investigative agency in accomplishing the
installation of traps and traces, pen registers, and other location devices;
(15) Issue orders ruling on pre-indictment challenges to grand jury subpoenas or other
motions related to grand jury proceedings and related contempt proceedings to the
extent authorized by statute;
(16) Request preparation of a presentence investigation report in misdemeanor cases;
and
(17) Accept jury verdicts in cases proceeding before a district judge.
(C) FORFEITURE OF COLLATERAL IN LIEU OF APPEARANCE
Magistrate judges are authorized to accept payment of a fixed sum in lieu of appearance in
a petty offense case. Conditions and schedules for the forfeiture of collateral in lieu of
appearance are on the court’s website.
(D) REVIEW AND APPEAL
(1) APPEAL FROM JUDGMENTS IN MISDEMEANOR CASES
A defendant may appeal a judgment of conviction by a magistrate judge in a
misdemeanor case to a district judge by filing a notice of appeal within fourteen
Effective October 6, 2025
CRIMINAL RULES
(14) days after entry of judgment and by serving a copy of the notice upon the
United States Attorney. The scope of review upon appeal is the same as appeal from
a judgment of a district judge to the court of appeals. See Fed. R. Crim. P. 58.
(2) OBJECTION TO NON-DISPOSITIVE ORDER
A party may object to a magistrate judge’s determination of a non-dispositive
matter within fourteen (14) days after being served with a copy of the magistrate
judge’s order unless otherwise ordered by the court (28 U.S.C. ' 636(b)(1)(A) &
Fed. R. Crim. P. 59(a)). The objecting party must serve and file a written objection
to the order, which must specifically designate the order or part of the order to
which the objection is made and the grounds for the objection. The adverse party
has seven (7) days after service and filing of the objection to serve and file a
response. The objection and response may not exceed twenty (20) pages. A reply
is not permitted.
The party filing an objection must file a transcript of any hearing during which the
magistrate judge made findings of fact related to the objection. With leave of court,
the party may rely on an audio recording of the hearing in lieu of a transcript.
A district judge must consider the objection and set aside any portion of the
magistrate judge’s order found to be clearly erroneous or contrary to law.
Filing an objection does not stay the magistrate judge’s order. A request to stay a
magistrate judge’s order pending objection must be made to the magistrate judge
with notice to all parties.
(3) OBJECTION TO REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A party may object to a magistrate judge’s report and recommendations on an
evidentiary or dispositive matter within fourteen (14) days after being served with
a copy, unless the court orders otherwise (28 U.S.C. ' 636(b)(1)(B) & Fed. R. Crim.
P. 59(b)(2)). The objecting party must serve and file written objections, which must
identify the portions of the proposed findings, recommendations, or report to which
objections are made and the basis for the objections. The objection and response
may not exceed twenty (20) pages. A reply is not permitted. The party filing
objections must file a transcript of any evidentiary proceeding related to the report
and recommendations. With leave of court, the party may rely on an audio
recording of the hearing in lieu of a transcript.
Effective October 6, 2025
CRIMINAL RULES
A district judge must make a de novo determination of those portions of the report
and recommendations to which specific objections are made and may accept, reject,
or modify in whole or in part the findings or recommendations made by the
magistrate judge. The district judge will not generally conduct a hearing but, in
appropriate circumstances, may receive further evidence, recall witnesses, or
recommit the matter to the magistrate judge with instructions.
Effective October 6, 2025
INDEX
INDEX
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ......................................................................................... 33
Administration .................................................................................................................. 34
Authorization .................................................................................................................... 33
Confidentiality .................................................................................................................. 33
Designation of Cases......................................................................................................... 33
Disqualification ................................................................................................................. 34
Attorneys ................................................................................................................................. 3
Appearances ........................................................................................................................ 4
Continued Duties ................................................................................................................ 5
Disciplinary Enforcement ................................................................................................... 5
Eligibility ............................................................................................................................ 3
Pro Hac Vice Admission .................................................................................................... 4
Procedure for Admission .................................................................................................... 3
Reinstatement...................................................................................................................... 6
Roll of Attorneys................................................................................................................. 3
Substitution and Withdwaral of Attorneys ......................................................................... 4
Bonds ............................................................................................................................... 17
Cash Bonds and Personal Property ................................................................................... 17
Corporate Security Provider ............................................................................................. 17
Cost Bonds or Other Securities ......................................................................................... 18
Insufficiency and Remedy ................................................................................................ 18
Personal Security Provider................................................................................................ 17
Security Provider Limitation............................................................................................. 17
Case Assignment ........................................................................................................................... 21
Direct Assignment Cases .................................................................................................. 21
Division Assignment and Objections................................................................................ 21
Reassignment or Change of Place of Trial ....................................................................... 21
Civil Case Management ................................................................................................................ 31
Civil Discovery ............................................................................................................................. 35
Exemptions ....................................................................................................................... 35
Filing ............................................................................................................................... 35
Form ............................................................................................................................... 35
Scope And Timing ............................................................................................................ 35
Civil Discovery Motions ............................................................................................................... 36
Obligation for Conference with Magistrate Judge ............................................................ 36
Obligation to Confer ......................................................................................................... 36
Sanctions for Non-Compliance ......................................................................................... 36
Civil Jury Instructions ................................................................................................................... 43
a
Effective October 6, 2025
INDEX
Deadlines........................................................................................................................... 43
Form of Requested Instruction.......................................................................................... 43
Civil Jury Trials ............................................................................................................................ 41
Disclosure of Juror Names ................................................................................................ 41
Examination of Witnesses................................................................................................. 42
Jury Selection .................................................................................................................... 41
Jury Size ............................................................................................................................ 41
Opening Statements and Closing Arguments ................................................................... 42
Costs And Attorney’s Fees............................................................................................................ 44
Attorney’s Fees ................................................................................................................. 45
Costs ............................................................................................................................... 44
Costs on Appeal Taxable in the District Court ................................................................. 45
District Court Costs........................................................................................................... 44
Court Reporter Transcripts ........................................................................................................... 12
Courtroom Conduct and Use of Electronic Devices ..................................................................... 10
Courtroom Conduct .......................................................................................................... 10
Electronic Devices ............................................................................................................ 10
Exclusion And Inspection ................................................................................................. 10
Inspection .......................................................................................................................... 10
Criminal Jury Instructions............................................................................................................. 57
Deadlines........................................................................................................................... 57
Form of Requested Instructions ........................................................................................ 57
Criminal Jury Trials ...................................................................................................................... 53
Disclosure of Juror Names ................................................................................................ 53
Examination of Witnesses................................................................................................. 54
Jury Selection .................................................................................................................... 53
Jury Size ............................................................................................................................ 53
Opening Statements and Closing Arguments ................................................................... 54
Deposit And Withdrawal of Funds with the Court ....................................................................... 14
Compliance ................................................................................................................. 14, 16
Deposit of Funds ............................................................................................................... 15
General .............................................................................................................................. 14
Interest-Bearing Funds ................................................................................................ 14, 15
Interpleader Fund .............................................................................................................. 14
Non-Interest-Bearing Fund ............................................................................................... 15
Non-Interest-Bearing Funds.............................................................................................. 14
Withdrawal of Funds......................................................................................................... 15
Withdrawal of Interest-Bearing Funds.............................................................................. 16
Withdrawal of Non-Interest-Bearing Funds ..................................................................... 15
Disclosure Statement .................................................................................................................... 30
b
Effective October 6, 2025
INDEX
Dismissal of Settled Civil Case..................................................................................................... 37
Divisions ................................................................................................................................. 1
Exhibits ......................................................................................................................... 38, 55
Custody of Exhibits..................................................................................................... 38, 55
Marking Exhibits ........................................................................................................ 38, 55
Return of Exhibits ....................................................................................................... 39, 56
Sensitive Exhibits........................................................................................................ 38, 55
Fees ............................................................................................................................... 13
Files and Filing ....................................................................................................................... 23, 65
Electronic Case Filing (ECF) ...................................................................................... 23, 65
Form ......................................................................................................................... 23, 65
Sealed Documents and Files ............................................................................................. 23
Sealed Documents and Sealed Files ................................................................................. 65
Grand Juries ............................................................................................................................... 50
Grand Jury Document ....................................................................................................... 50
Motions to Quash .............................................................................................................. 50
Names of Grand Jurors ..................................................................................................... 50
Highly Sensitive Documents......................................................................................................... 20
Motions ......................................................................................................................... 25, 61
Amicus Curiae Briefs ........................................................................................................ 28
Deadlines and Page Limits.......................................................................................... 25, 61
Deadlines for Pro Se Parties without Access to Electronic Filing.............................. 28, 62
Dispositive Motion Deadlines and Page Limits................................................................ 25
Dispositive Motions .......................................................................................................... 25
Failure to File Memorandum or Response.................................................................. 28, 64
Form of Filings and Exhibits ...................................................................................... 28, 62
General Matters........................................................................................................... 28, 62
Memorandum in Support of Motion For Summary Judgmen .......................................... 25
Motion Deadlines and Page Limits ................................................................................... 61
Motion Types .................................................................................................................... 25
Motions ............................................................................................................................. 61
Motions and Stipulations for Leave to File Amended Document .................................... 27
Motions for Injunctive Relief............................................................................................ 27
Motions for Leave of Court .............................................................................................. 62
Motions for Leave of Court to File Additional Filings or to Exceed Page Limits ........... 27
Motions for Leave to File Additional Filings or to Exceed Page Limits .......................... 61
Motions for Oral Argument ........................................................................................ 27, 62
Motions to Reduce Sentence ............................................................................................. 61
Non-Dispositive Motion ................................................................................................... 26
Non-Dispositive Motion Deadlines & Page Limits .......................................................... 26
Proposed Orders Not Required ................................................................................... 28, 62
c
Effective October 6, 2025
INDEX
Response to Motion for Summary Judgment.................................................................... 26
Service and Filing Not on Same Date ......................................................................... 28, 62
Non-Appropriated Fund ................................................................................................................ 19
Deposit .............................................................................................................................. 19
Plan ............................................................................................................................... 19
Use ............................................................................................................................... 19
Office of the Clerk .......................................................................................................................... 2
Presentence Investigation Report and Sentencing Memorandums ............................................... 58
Confidentiality .................................................................................................................. 58
Disclosure to Aid Sex Offender Registration ................................................................... 58
Presentence Investigation Reports .................................................................................... 58
Request for Disclosure ...................................................................................................... 58
Sentencing Memorandum ................................................................................................. 59
Reinstatement ................................................................................................................................. 6
Service of Process and Court Orders ............................................................................................ 22
Appointment of Special Process Servers .......................................................................... 22
Proof of Service of Subpoenas.......................................................................................... 22
Service by United States Marshals Servic ........................................................................ 22
Stipulations ............................................................................................................................... 11
Student Practice Rule ...................................................................................................................... 7
Admission Procedure .......................................................................................................... 7
General Provisions .............................................................................................................. 7
Student Practice Limitations ............................................................................................... 8
Student Requirements ......................................................................................................... 7
Supervising Attorney Requirements ................................................................................... 8
Subpoenas ......................................................................................................................... 40, 52
Confidentiality of Subpoena Service ................................................................................ 52
Subpoenas to Pro Se Party ................................................................................................ 52
Superseding Indictments ............................................................................................................... 51
Time ......................................................................................................................... 24, 60
United States Magistrate Judges ............................................................................................. 46, 67
Appeal from Judgments in Civil Consent Cases............................................................... 48
Appeal from Judgments in Misdemeanor Cases ............................................................... 69
Assignment of Matters to Magistrate Judges .............................................................. 46, 67
Case Assignment ............................................................................................................... 67
Civil Case Consent Procedure .......................................................................................... 47
Class A Misdemeanor Cases............................................................................................. 67
Direct Assignment ............................................................................................................ 48
Duties in Civil Matters ...................................................................................................... 46
Duties in Criminal Matters................................................................................................ 68
Felony Cases ..................................................................................................................... 67
d
Effective October 6, 2025
INDEX
Forfeiture of Collateral in Lieu of Appearance................................................................. 69
General Assignment .......................................................................................................... 67
Later Consent .................................................................................................................... 48
Misdemeanor Cases .......................................................................................................... 67
Notice upon Filing of Complaint ...................................................................................... 47
Objection to Non-Dispositive Order ........................................................................... 48, 70
Objection to Report And Recommendations .............................................................. 49, 70
Petty Offenses (Class B Misdemeanors, Class C Misdemeanors, and Infractions).......... 67
Review and Appeal ..................................................................................................... 48, 69
