The duties and powers of municipal court magistrates are determined by Rule 18 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Title 12 of the Alabama Code, municipal ordinances, and judicial orders.

Under this authority, municipal court magistrates are empowered to:

• Explain court procedures.
• Provide court forms upon request.
• Provide a list of court approved bonding companies.
• Hear complaints to determine if there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.
• Accept guilty pleas and payments in minor traffic cases.
• Provide contact information for domestic violence safe houses, support groups, etc.

However, municipal court magistrates are prohibited from:

• Providing legal advice.
• Recommending an attorney or bonding company.
• Hearing your case before the trial date.
• Issuing restraining orders or protection from abuse orders.
• Helping to collect civil judgments, enforcing any civil claim, or pursuing any type of civil action.
• Issuing passports, wedding licenses, birth certificates, etc.

This list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties empowered on municipal court magistrates. For a comprehensive list, please see the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration.

Copyright 2006 City of Hoover, Alabama
100 Municipal Drive, Hoover, Alabama  35216 - (205) 444-7500
Photographs and Graphics may not be used without permission.