Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 600. Revised Judicature Act of 1961 § 600.8513

Sec. 8513. (1) When authorized by the chief judge of the district and whenever a district judge is not immediately available, a district court magistrate may conduct the first appearance of a defendant before the court in all criminal and ordinance violation cases, including acceptance of any written demand or waiver of preliminary examination and acceptance of any written demand or waiver of jury trial. However, this section does not authorize a district court magistrate to accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere not expressly authorized under section 8511 or 8512a.  1 A defendant neither demanding nor waiving preliminary examination in writing is deemed to have demanded preliminary examination and a defendant neither demanding nor waiving jury trial in writing is considered to have demanded a jury trial.

(2) If authorized by the chief judge of the district, a district court magistrate may do any of the following:

(3) A district court magistrate, for acts expressly authorized by the chief judge and by law, has judicial immunity to the extent accorded a district court judge.