JOINT LOCAL RULES OF CRIMINAL PRACTICE

Scope, Purpose and Construction These Joint Local Rules of Criminal Practice for the United States District Courts for the Eastern and the Western Districts of Kentucky provide standardized procedures for the convenience of the bench and bar. They must be construed to be consistent with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and to secure the just, efficient and economical determination of criminal actions. These rules do not eliminate the statutory distinction between the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky. Definitions References to “Court” or the “Clerk” mean the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky -- or the Clerk of that Court -- or the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky -- or the Clerk of that Court.

A “party” or “you” refers to either the party or the attorney. Duties of United States Magistrate Judges All magistrate judges are specially designated within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. §3401(a) to try persons accused of misdemeanor offenses and to sentence persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses. They are further authorized to perform all duties in regard to extradition proceedings specified in 18 U.S.C. §3184, including but not limited to certifications to the Secretary of State and issuance of warrants.