Magisterial Judge Jacob E. Hammond is one of 14 district judges in Lehigh County. Hammond handles minor criminal cases and civil cases up to $8,000, as well as traffic cases, in South Whitehall and North Whitehall townships. He also sets bails and presides at preliminary hearings in major criminal cases to determine if the cases should be dismissed or proceed to Common Pleas Court. Magisterial District Court is the first level of judicial authority in Pennsylvania; it is often the only place where people will interact with the judicial system.