[RSA 491-B:2 effective January 1, 2025.] RSA 491-B effective January 1, 2025. 491-B:2 Duties. – I. At the discretion of the chief justice of the supreme court, in consultation with the chief justice of the superior court and the administrative judge of the circuit court, magistrates may have the following powers: (a) To determine the release or detention of defendants on all days of the week and at all times of day pursuant to RSA 597:2; (b) To conduct arraignment hearings and issue decisions on arraignments; (c) To conduct bail hearings and issue decisions on bail and other decisions regarding release or detention of persons pending trial pursuant to RSA 597:2; (d) To issue arrest warrants or other processes of arrest; (e) To issue search warrants; (f) To administer oaths and affirmations; and (g) To perform such other acts or functions specifically authorized by the chief justice of the supreme court not inconsistent with the New Hampshire constitution or any state or federal laws. II. Magistrates may only perform the powers listed in paragraph I(b) through I(g) if they are licensed to practice law in the state of New Hampshire. III. e constitution or any state or federal laws. II. Magistrates may only perform the powers listed in paragraph I(b) through I(g) if they are licensed to practice law in the state of New Hampshire. III. The magistrates shall provide to any person bailed by the magistrate pursuant to the authority granted by this chapter information on local services that are available to the person relating to homelessness, hunger, mental health, and substance use issues. Source. 2024, 317:14, eff. Jan. 1, 2025.
New Hampshire Legal Code