Alternate Municipal Judge

Description Performs professional judicial duties as the Alternate Municipal Judge for the Municipal Court of the City of Denison.
Under the general supervision of the Presiding Judge, the Alternate Municipal Judge handles as needed and as directed by the Presiding Judge, cases on the court’s dockets, holds court hearings, and performs magistrate duties, which may include reviewing probable cause affidavits for arrest, search warrants for the police department, administrative search warrants for Code Compliance, Fire Marshal or Building Official, and appearing at the City’s jail to administer magistrate legal rights warnings.
The Alternate Municipal Judge also splits jail magistrate duties with the Presiding Judge, and also splits on-call duties for arrest and search warrants as needed.
The City Council shall appoint this position.
Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The following duties are typical for this position.
These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties.
Other duties may be required and assigned.
Handle cases on all dockets as needed and as assigned by Presiding Judge over Municipal Court for all Class C Misdemeanors, City ordinance violations, criminal jury and non- jury trials, pre-trial conferences, juvenile warnings and other cases appropriately tried in Municipal Court.
Review, approve and issue arrest and search warrants as needed and as assigned by Presiding Judge.
Signing of paperwork prepared by the Court Clerks, as needed or as assigned by Presiding Judge.
Review and/or deny requests for continuances, court filings, motions, rulings, warrants and other legal documents; issues judicial process documents to compel appearances in court and compliance to legal rulings.
Serve as magistrate, arraign defendants by electronic video conference or at jail at the City of Denison Police Department as needed, preside over court proceedings, jury trials, bench trials, as needed; processes and adjudicates criminal and civil cases in accordance with Texas Penal Code, state and federal statutes, and city ordinances.
Exercise independent judgment within specific legal guidelines; assures official Municipal Court activities are in compliance with federal and state laws, and City policies and goals.
Support the relationship between the City of Denison and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; perform other duties as required or assigned.
Comply with and sign the current Municipal Court Confidentiality Policy and Agreement.
Convey a positive, professional image by action, communication and appearance.
Exhibits regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
Knowledge of duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a Municipal Court Judge.
Knowledge of State of Texas criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of Texas judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge and ability to follow Judicial Code of Ethics, including the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.
Knowledge of principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct.
Knowledge of principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
Ability to effectively communicate with City Council, City Manager, Court Staff, and citizens of the City of Denison.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and open communications with City employees, law enforcement agencies, court and justice system representatives.
Ability to review, understand, interpret, and analyze applicable civil and criminal laws and regulations.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines in order to ensure that justice is fair and equitable.
Ability to organize, interpret and apply legal principles and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Skill to operate a computer utilizing a variety of business and Court specialized software.
Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.
The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Typical Qualifications MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in the practice of law with two (2) or more years in this state.
Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record, as defined by City policy.
Must meet the minimum mandatory continuing education requirements for Municipal Court Judges as established by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC).
Must be a resident of this state.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preferred experience as a Municipal Court Judge with current TMCEC Certified Judicial Education, or ability to obtain TMCEC Certified Judicial Education within six months.
Preferred bi-lingual abilities Physical & Work Environment PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.
Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Employee Services.
Work environment is primarily an office setting, where noise and temperature levels are moderate.
Hours are typically set for court but will be on-call after normal business hours for Magistration or for police officers to call needing search and arrest warrants.
Will split ½ month with Presiding Judge for Magistration of arrestees by electronic video conference or at jail at the City of Denison Police Department to administer Magistrate’s Warning to defendants under Chapter 15 of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, as applicable, to Arrestees charged with Class C Misdemeanors or Warrants for the City of Denison.
Choice of video or in person method of Magistration will use the most time efficient method for completion of Magistration.
Major holidays will be split equitably.
Stressful situations may be inherent to this position.
Must be able to sit for long periods of time communicating with and listening to court litigants, performing computer work, writing docket notes and preparing legal documents.