At a preliminary examination, the judge hears testimony from witnesses and determines if there is probable cause that the charge is correct, and if there is probable cause that the defendant in the case committed the crime. If probable cause is determined, the case proceeds to trial in the circuit court. All traffic and parking violations. The court is served by elected judges. Judges and state officials are paid almost entirely by the state, but the courts and their other employees are funded by local communities or counties.
District judges are attorneys who are elected on non-partisan ballots for terms of six years.
The Governor may appoint replacements to fill vacancies. Any appointed judge must stand for election at the next regularly scheduled general election. A district court magistrate's duties are limited by statute and by the order of the District Court Chief Judge. They may include conducting arraignments, setting bail, conducting small claims trials, traffic informal hearings and performing marriages. Criminal - Maintains criminal record keeping systems and the processing and scheduling of all misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses.