Description

Appointed by the City Council, the Presiding Judge provides quality customer service while performing the duties of a Judge in the Municipal Court. Review, process and preside over criminal and civil cases filed in the Municipal Court.  The Municipal Court typically meets once per month, currently on the third Tuesday. Could vary depending on Judge's schedule and the criminal and civil docket schedule. Additional dates may be set as needed for jury trials. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Presides over court dockets
• Assign dockets and duties to Associate Judge(s) as required
• Coordinate, as needed, with Municipal Court Clerk for oversight of court administrative duties as required by state law, including report filling and scheduling of dockets
• Management of the Court Security Committee
• Respond to letters, calls and emails from Court Staff regarding Court administrative and case matters, police officers regarding warrants and matters unrelated to municipal court cases, and county jail staff regarding magistrate duties and defense attorneys
• Prepare and revise local rules and standing orders, including rules relating to jury trials
• Perform all other duties as required by state law. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of Code of Criminal Procedures with regards to laws governing Class "C" misdemeanors, arrests, and warrants
• Knowledge and understanding of Civil Procedures
• Knowledge and Understanding of Court of Record requirements and practices
• Knowledge and understanding of courtroom and rules of evidence procedures
• Ability to interpret and communicate legal terminology
• Ability to deal effectively with the public under adverse conditions and provide courteous customer service
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications
• Travel to attend meetings, conferences and training as assigned and if required

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• State of Texas Class "C" or higher driver's license
• Five (5) years of experience serving as an associate or presiding judge; or an attorney licensed by and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas with at least two (2) years of experience serving as an associate or presiding judge.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) or more years of experience serving as a presiding judge
• Five (5) or more years of experience as a practicing attorney in the State of Texas
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Will be required to pass a thorough background check and maintain Criminal Justice Information Systems eligibility (CJIS) and maintain judicial education as required.