Rule 44-30. Hearing by Magistrates of Infractions and Certain Motor Vehicle Violations

(a) Infractions and motor vehicle violations which may be submitted to a magistrate pursuant to statute may be heard by magistrates in those court locations where a magistrate has been appointed by the chief court administrator, except that magistrates may not conduct jury trials.

(b) Hearings by magistrates shall be conducted in accordance with the Connecticut Code of Evidence and with the provisions of Chapter 42 insofar as the provisions of that chapter are applicable. A magistrate shall sign all orders the magistrate issues, such signature to be followed by the word ''magistrate.''

(c) A decision of the magistrate, including any penalty imposed, shall become a judgment of the court if no demand for a trial de novo is filed. Such decision of the magistrate shall become null and void if a timely demand for a trial de novo is filed. A demand for a trial de novo shall be filed with the court clerk within five days of the date the decision was rendered by the magistrate and, if filed by the prosecuting authority, it shall include a certification that a copy thereof has been served on the defendant or his or her attorney, in accordance with the rules of practice.

(d) If the defendant is charged with more than one offense, and not all such offenses are motor vehicle violations within the jurisdiction of a magistrate, a judicial authority shall hear and decide such case.

(e) This section shall be inapplicable at any court location to which a magistrate has not been assigned by the chief court administrator.

Committee Notes

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 1011D.) (Amended June 26, 2020, to take effect Jan. 1, 2021.)