AFI51-206 — Use Of Magistrate Judges For Trial Of Misdemeanors Committed By Civilians

AFI51-206 governs the prosecution of civilian misdemeanor and petty offenses before U.S. magistrate judges on Air Force installations.

Search AFI51-206

  • Publication number: AFI51-206
  • Title: USE OF MAGISTRATE JUDGES FOR TRIAL OF MISDEMEANORS COMMITTED BY CIVILIANS
  • Date: 2018-08-31

View AFI51-206 on armypubs.army.mil


AFI51-206 covers magistrate court programs, installation commander and SJA duties, and Air Force SAUSA roles. It requires coordination with United States Attorneys, appointment and supervision of SAUSAs, and compliance with legal and procedural requirements.

Topics covered

  • Magistrate court programs
  • Civilian misdemeanor prosecution
  • Civilian petty offense prosecution
  • Air Force SAUSAs
  • United States Attorney coordination
  • Installation traffic safety programs

Questions and answers

What must installation commanders establish for traffic safety?

Will establish and maintain an effective, comprehensive traffic safety program on the installation that includes methods to enforce the program. (T-0). (paragraph 2)

What happens if no magistrate judge has been designated on an Air Force installation?

If no magistrate judge has been designated to try misdemeanor or petty offense cases on an Air Force installation, will request that the United States Attorney petition a district court to designate a magistrate judge for that purpose. If the district court fails to designate a magistrate judge after petition, the installation commander will report the failure to the Administrative Law Directorate of the Office of The Judge Advocate General (AF/JAA). (T-1). (paragraph 2)

Who manages the installation magistrate court program?

Will delegate administration of the installation’s magistrate court program to the servicing staff judge advocate. (T-1). (paragraph 2)

How are Air Force SAUSAs appointed?

Will select one or more Air Force attorneys to be designated as Air Force SAUSAs; and, through the local United States Attorney, will seek the appointment of these designated attorneys as SAUSAs consistent with 28 U.S.C. §§ 515(a), 516, 543. (T-0). (paragraph 2)

Can an Air Force SAUSA prosecute a case in district court?

May, upon request of the United States Attorney, and with the concurrence of the major command SJA, authorize an Air Force SAUSA to prosecute a case in district court. Such approval is granted on a case-by-case basis.

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFI51-206