Municipal Court Judge (Part-time)

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Summary
Presides over the Municipal Court at the direction of the Presiding Judge.  While serving as the Municipal Judge, the Alternate Judge has all the powers and discharges all the duties of a Municipal Judge.  Performs all functions and duties required under the City Charter, City ordinances, state law and other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the position requires.  Fills in on an as needed basis; no guaranteed hours are provided with this position.  Availability to perform duties as a judge or magistrate to include after-hours warrant process and weekend and holiday jail related functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the Municipal Court Judge at the direction of and in the temporary absence of the Presiding Municipal Judge
• Presides over court proceedings in Municipal Court and performs the full duties of the office
• Exercises independent judgment within specific legal guidelines; assures official Municipal Court activities are compliant with federal and state laws and City policies and goals
• Serves as a Magistrate for both the City and County with responsibilities including initial detention hearings of individuals in the custody of the Police Department as required under Art. 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure though arrestees/ detainees, the admonishment of rights and the setting of appropriate bail, determination of probable cause, and issuing applicable conditions of bond
• Reviews probable cause affidavits and complaints prior to issuance of warrants, and issues, as appropriate, warrants of arrest as to individuals or search warrants for persons or places within the jurisdiction.
• Adjudicates municipal ordinance violations to include but are not limited to: criminal, traffic, alcohol, code enforcement, and animal offenses
• Manages court dockets and schedules to efficiently handle cases and ensure timely resolutions
• Monitors changes in state and federal regulations, standards, and legislation governing municipalities
• Upholds ethical standards and integrity in all judicial activities
• Follows the city policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree 
• Four (4) years of experience as a licensed, practicing attorney or judge in the State of Texas

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Municipal Court
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) 

Certifications / License

• Valid license to practice law in the state of Texas
• Member of the Texas State Bar Association; remain active with annual Texas Bar requirements and Judicial Education requirements