2006 Code of Virginia § 19.2-45 - Powers enumerated

19.2-45. Powers enumerated.

A magistrate shall have the following powers only:

(1) To issue process of arrest in accord with the provisions of 19.2-71 to19.2-82 of the Code;

(2) To issue search warrants in accord with the provisions of 19.2-52 to19.2-60 of the Code;

(3) To admit to bail or commit to jail all persons charged with offensessubject to the limitations of and in accord with general laws on bail;

(4) The same power to issue warrants and subpoenas within such county or cityas is conferred upon district courts. Such attachments, warrants andsubpoenas shall be returnable before a district court or any court of limitedjurisdiction continued in operation pursuant to 16.1-70.1;

(5) To issue civil warrants directed to the sheriff or constable of thecounty or city wherein the defendant resides, together with a copy thereof,requiring him to summon the person against whom the claim is, to appearbefore a district court on a certain day, not exceeding thirty days from thedate thereof to answer such claim. If there be two or more defendants and anydefendant resides outside the jurisdiction in which the warrant is issued,the summons for such defendant residing outside the jurisdiction may bedirected to the sheriff of the county or city of his residence, and suchwarrant may be served and returned as provided in 16.1-80;

(6) To administer oaths and take acknowledgments;

(7) To act as conservators of the peace;

(8), (9) [Repealed.]

(10) To perform such other acts or functions specifically authorized by law.

(Code 1950, 19.1-394; 1973, c. 545; 1974, c. 484; 1975, c. 495; 1976, c.471; 1977, c. 332; 1978, cc. 500, 605; 1985, c. 77.)