Are you passionate about justice and dedicated to upholding the rule of law? Do you possess the wisdom, fairness, and integrity required to make impactful decisions in a courtroom setting? If so, we invite you to consider a rewarding career opportunity with our municipal court as a Magistrate.
The Municipal Court Magistrate advances all municipal court cases through the judicial process on a municipal level as required by the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure and The Code of Alabama 1975. Magistrates are considered chief officers of Municipal Court and are subject to the administrative direction of the Clerk of Municipal Court. Magistrates are appointed to serve upon the written recommendation of the Municipal Court Judge.
Representative List of Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The list is not intended to be all-inclusive nor exclusive but is intended to provide examples of typical duties performed.
- Determines probable cause for the issuance of warrants of arrest or summons for criminal offenses. May issue subpoenas; depose suspects, victims and witnesses; and review evidence. When appropriate, the magistrate issues a warrant of arrest or summons charging the suspect with that crime.
- Conducts hearings with jailed inmates to set bail; approve cash, property and surety bonds. Magistrates are authorized to release defendants charged with municipal offenses on their personal recognizance, while considering the safety of the victim, the best interests of the suspect and their likelihood of court appearance, and potential liability to the city.
- Interviews inmates charged with crimes involving domestic violence to determine conditions that will be placed on their release.
- Receives pleas of guilty on certain cases and then adjudicates those cases. May dismiss certain types of charges, conduct arraignments and set non-guilty pleas for trial, as well as grant continuances.
- Oversees court proceedings by managing defendants and defense attorneys, while settling cases contained on the docket.
- Conducts compliance and probation dockets, meeting with defendants to ensure Judge’s orders are followed.
- Coordinates and facilitates defendants’ interaction, required attendance and completion of court ordered programs and counselling services.
- Processes payments, maintains a balanced cash drawer, and prepares daily deposits. This includes transactions from the court office window, mailed, and online payments.
- Performs administrative tasks to include managing case files, preparing dockets and processing incoming citizens’ correspondence and requests.
- Determines after court action for defendants who failed to appear in court including issuing Failure to Appear warrants, suspending drivers’ licenses, and forfeiting bonds.
- Provides on-call support one week per month to the Pelham Police Department to conduct hearings and to screen and issue warrants as needed by citizens and the Pelham Police Department.
- Establishes and maintains effective and collaborative work relationships with others.
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience working in similar role is preferred.
Certificates and Licenses: Municipal Court Magistrate Certification through Alabama Judicial College.
Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software. Must be able to learn how to operate court case management software proficiently. Must be able to learn how to operate ACJIC/NCIC software proficiently.
Compensation: Compensation for this position is $24.00 per hour.
This position offers a unique chance to make a difference in your community, fostering trust and respect for the legal system. If you are committed to justice and have the qualifications and experience to excel as a Court Magistrate, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our judicial team.
How to Apply:
- Apply online here.
- Paper applications are available here and can be downloaded and may be emailed to HR@pelhamalabama.gov or mailed to the City of Pelham, Human Resources, at P.O. Box 1419, Pelham, AL 35124.
- The final date to apply is July 10, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
The City of Pelham does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex (including pregnancy), color, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status. We base our hiring decisions on a variety of factors, including skills and ability to perform the job, prior employment experience, employment references as to character and willingness to work, willingness to accept the offered salary and personal interviews. The City of Pelham is an equal opportunity employer.