Amends GS 15A-601, expanding the statute to require any defendant charged with a crime in a magistrate's order under GS 15A-511 or criminal process be brought before a district court judge in the district court district in which the crime is charged to have been committed (previously, appearance limited to crimes charged in the original jurisdiction of the superior court). Eliminates the option for a defendant to elect not to appear personally at the first appearance if the defendant is represented by counsel at the proceeding. Makes language gender-neutral. Applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2019.