LAURINBURG — The terms of four of five Scotland County magistrates were recently scheduled to expire and, in early December, Clerk of Superior Court Philip McRae nominated each of them for an additional term along with other candidates.
In late December, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Stephan R. Futrell of Rockingham signed an appointment for John B. Blue, Donnie Chavis, Sal Marcano, and Sandra Miller to continue to serve and be supervised by Chief District Court Judge Amanda Wilson of Rockingham.
The office of the magistrate is the “front line” of the judicial branch of the justice system. The office is staffed 24 hours a day seven days per week, including holidays. Their duties include charging individuals with a crime if they find probable cause, setting terms of release, and issuing search warrants if appropriate.
Among other duties, they may preside over small claims court, perform marriages, and issue involuntary commitment orders to hospitalize individuals who are dangerous to themselves or others.