Current jobs related to Municipal Court Judge - Pecos - Town Of Pecos City

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs professional judicial duties as the Municipal Court Judge for the municipal courts of Pecos. The judge acts in the interpretation, application and enforcement of local ordinances and applicable State laws. The judge shall perform these duties by presiding over the municipal court sessions (including pre-trials, trials, hearings and other judicial proceedings) and functioning as a magistrate. This position shall be authorized and appointed by a majority of the council. The Municipal Judge is responsible for the supervision and management of the court within the operations and in collaboration with the Finance Department. The judge shall be compensated as determined and approved by the City Council. Requirements and stipulations included in the City's Charter, Code of Ordinances, Personnel Manual, or in State Law shall supersede any statement within this description.

Reports to the City Council.

Exercises autonomy and sound judgement over tasks as assigned.

• Preside over Municipal Court for all class C Misdemeanors, City matters, criminal jury and non-jury trials, pre-trial conferences, juvenile warnings and other cases appropriately tried in Municipal Court.
• Maintain a central docket of all cases filed in the City of Pecos.
• Review and/or deny requests for continuances.

• Determine innocence or culpability (when hearing cases without a jury) and levies fine commensurate with the violation in such manner to preserve equity and uniformity in the application of existing laws and ordinances.
• Collaborate with other Pecos Municipal Judges to ensure consistency.
• Supervise the administration of juror notification and direct jurors in trial cases on their role in the interpretation and application of law.
• Support court activities with Municipal Court Clerks, City Attorney, and/or City Prosecutor and other city departments.
• Review legislation and current case law affecting offenses and the criminal justice system and implement procedures to ensure compliance. Perform legal research as needed and determine fine amounts.
• Provide after-hours and/or weekend service as needed.
• Conduct hearings as necessary.
• Issue warrants, summons, magistrate warnings, etc.
• Collaborate with the City Manager, City Council and applicable city departments to ensure policies, ordinances and orders are within the parameter of state law but also consistent with the values of the community and needs of the departments.
• Collaborate with the City Manager and City Council to establish judge specific performance benchmarks regarding the effectiveness and productivity of the court.
• Support the relationship between the City of Pecos 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.

Education and Experience:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Preferred experience as a Municipal Court Judge and TMCEC Certified Judges Education.
3. Those with a valid license as an attorney issued by the Supreme Court of the State of Texas, and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas are preferred.

• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License with satisfactory driving record, as defined by City policy.
• Proof of citizenship and/or eligibility to legally work in the United States.
• Must meet the minimum mandatory continuing education requirements for Municipal Court Judges as established by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
• Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check.
• Must be a resident of this state.