Except as limited by an order of referral, an associate judge may:
(1) conduct a hearing;
(2) hear evidence;
(3) compel production of relevant evidence;
(4) rule on admissibility of evidence;
(5) issue summons for the appearance of witnesses;
(6) examine witnesses;
(7) swear witnesses for hearings;
(8) make findings of fact on evidence;
(9) formulate conclusions of law;
(10) recommend the judgment to be made in a case;
(11) regulate all proceedings in a hearing before the associate judge;
(12) rule on all criminal pretrial motions; and
(13) perform any act and take any measure necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the associate judge's duties.