What is a District Magistrate?
A District Magistrate, or commonly known as a Magistrate Judge, is primarily responsible for overseeing local government policies and maintaining law and order. Similar to running for office, District Magistrates are elected by citizens in their district and typically serve six years in one term.
For the City of Pittsburgh, District Magistrates do not need a law degree to run for election, but it is required to have training prior to being assigned magisterial duties if elected.
What does a District Magistrate generally do?
A District Magistrate oversees various legal matters at the local level within their districts. Some of their primary responsibilities are:
- Small Claims Cases – They resolve civil disputes involving smaller amounts of money, typically under a specific limit.
- Tenant-Landlord Disputes – Related to evictions and unpaid rent, the Magistrate acts as a mediator and decision-maker to resolve financial disagreements or order an eviction.
- Traffic Violations – They preside over cases involving any traffic violations, including penalties and fines.
- Issuing Warrants and Orders – They can issue search warrants, arrest warrants, and protection orders.
- Preliminary Hearings – They conduct hearings for criminal cases to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
- Minor Criminal Cases – They handle less serious criminal offenses, such as misdemeanor charges. They also have the authority to issue arrest warrants and set bail.
How can I find a District Magistrate in Pittsburgh?
Click here to download the City of Pittsburgh zone details and contact info.
Want to Know More about each District Magistrate?
Use the links below to access personal biographies and election information:
Daniel Butler | Election Information
Butler has been a judicial law clerk, a prosecutor, a family court hearing officer and a family court meditator, successfully settling over 1,100 custody cases. Dan Butler is a District Judge in the Municipal Court of Pittsburgh. He has served as a judge of the Municipal Court of Pittsburgh, as well as on Pittsburgh’s specialized, Domestic Violence Court.
James A. Motznik | Election Information
James J. Hanley, Jr | Election Information
Little information is found online about Hanley; however he has officiated many marriages in his courtroom in Greenfield.
Jehosha Wright | Election Information
Wright received a bachelor’s in Psychology from Carlow University. He then received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Duquesne University. He worked various jobs like a Site Manager at Youthplaces, Behavioral Health Therapist at The Program for Offenders Inc. and Health Coach at UPMC.
Katherine P. Lovelace | Election Information
Lovelace attended University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School, and University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, and Pressley Ridge with autistic children. She worked as a public defender for juveniles and adults and served many boards dedicating her time to improve the lives of children in Allegheny County. In 2022, Lovelace created the first free, holistic legal clinic for parents and families for the Allegheny County Courts.
Kevin Eugene Cooper, Jr. | Election Information
Cooper received a bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management from Lincoln University. He went to receive a Master’s of Education in Elementary Education and Teaching from Trinity University-Washington.
Leah Williams Duncan | Election Information
Duncan was born and raised in the North Side. For 20 years, she served as an attorney and a Hearing Officer for at least 20 years.
Nicholas Martini | Election Information
Martini received a bachelor’s in Political Science/Economic and Social Studies Education from Robert Morris University. After graduating, he worked as a Community Affairs Coordinator for the City Council of Pittsburgh. He moved up after a year to be a Deputy Manager in the office of the Mayor, handling youth policy. He spent a total of 7 years working for the City of Pittsburgh before becoming a Chief Administrative Officer (Township Manager) for Stowe Township.
Nina M. Ricciardi | Election Information
Oscar J Petite, Jr. | Election Information
Petite received his undergraduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University and his Law degree from Duquesne University. He is a Pittsburgh native, and has been involved with the community. He is certified by the Minor Judicial Education Board for 20+ years. He typically hears cases involving landlord and tenant disputes, civil cases and violations of the building code, while presiding over one of 7 courts. They include arraignment, night, traffic, domestic violence, non-traffic, child’s, criminal courts and homicide hearings.
Richard G. King | Election Information
Xander Orenstein | Election Information
Orenstein is the first non-binary person to be elected to a judicial seat in Allegheny County. In one of their talks, they wanted to lead code violators to have the option to complete community service hours rather than face hefty fines that may be difficult to pay off. Through these community service hours, Orenstein hopes to work alongside non-profit organizations for repair work.
