Adopted Budget - Bedford County, Virginia

2130 MAGISTRATESDEPARTMENT DESCRIPTIONThe principal function of the magistrate is to provide an independent, unbiased review ofcomplaints brought to the office by police officers, sheriffs, deputies, and citizens. ChiefCircuit Court Judges, in consultation with both chief general district court judges andchief juvenile and domestic relations district court judges, are responsible for appointingmagistrates. Magistrate duties include issuing various types of processes such as arrestwarrants, summonses, bonds, search warrants, subpoenas, civil warrants, emergencyprotective orders dealing with domestic violence and stalking protective orders.Magistrates also issue temporary detention orders for persons reported to be in need ofmedical and/or mental health treatment. One of the chief duties of the magistrate isconducting bond hearings to set bail in instances in which an individual is charged with acriminal offense. A magistrate may also accept prepayments for traffic infractions andminor misdemeanors.Contact Information:Magistrate1000 Broad StreetBedford, VA 24523(540) 586-7657 - phone