Judge Pro Tempore

Closing Date: 5th December, 2023

Description:

Distinguishing Features of the Class:
The Judge Pro Temp is temporarily authorized by the Court under GRIC Ordinance GR-05-13 to perform the duties of a regularly elected judge. This individual will primarily hear criminal cases in which defendants are subject to a sentence of imprisonment greater than one year under the federal Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-211, Sec. 234(c) (3), 25 U.S.C. 1302(c)(3)). The term of appointment is one year, subject to re-appointment.

Essential Functions:

• Presides over a variety of criminal proceedings including, but not limited to, adult trials (jury and bench), arraignments, pre-trial conferences and sentencing. Representative functions include informing defendants of their rights, charges, and penalties, hearing pleas/motions, hearing testimony, identifying and evaluating facts of the case, determining legal disposition of the case in accordance with applicable tribal law, and imposing the appropriate sentences under statutory guidelines.
• Reviews/approves pre-trial settlements/plea agreements and presides over settlement conferences.
• Judge shall hear and decide all matters assigned to him or her in a prompt and ethical manner.
• Hold court proceedings at regularly scheduled times and places.
• Creates, reviews, and issues a variety of court orders/documents, including bench warrants, subpoenas, and orders to show cause, contempt orders, and formal decisions.
• Timely enter all appropriate opinions, memoranda or orders, judgments and, when appropriate, enter the necessary and final judgment or order or verdict so that parties may appeal in a timely manner.
• Follow the Constitution and Bylaws of the Gila River Indian Community, as may be amended, the GRIC Code, as amended, appropriately adopted rules of court and applicable case laws.
• In addition to any Community Council-enacted Code of Conduct, the judge shall abide by applicable Standards of Judicial Conduct.
• Treat all parties and their attorneys with appropriate dignity and respect.
• Assist the Chief Judge in the discharge of his duties as requested.

• Knowledge of the Gila River Indian Community laws, ordinances and rules.
• Knowledge of the Arizona Revised Statutes and other applicable State, County, and Federal laws/ordinances, in particular the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010.
• Knowledge of Federal Indian Law.
• Knowledge of general adult and juvenile judicial proceedings and processes, including initial appearance, arraignments, conducting jury and bench trials, deciding points of law, and determining appropriate sentences.
• Knowledge of tribal criminal justice system operations.
• Knowledge of criminal appeals and habeas corpus proceedings.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other criminal justice system staff, other departments of the GRIC, attorneys, and the public.
• Skill in identifying and evaluating the facts of a case and determining the appropriate actions to be taken.
• Skill in interpreting and applying complex laws, statutes, ordinances of the Gila River Indian Community, State, County, and Federal governments and agencies.
• Skill in listening to a variety of court cases with impartiality.
• Skill in drafting or reviewing and approving complex court orders.
• Skill in legal research utilizing books and electronic research systems.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data or information from a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and a minimum of five (5) years legal experience, prior experience as a judge or judicial officer preferred; member in good standing of any State jurisdiction in the United States; Judicial experience with criminal law, felony jury cases, and Tribal trial experience preferred; Be of good moral character and any assessment of moral character shall be consistent with the customs and traditions of the Akimel O'odham and Pee Posh peoples.

Additional Requirement:

• Required to pass a background check.
• Prospective employees shall not possess the following background:
• Any felony conviction in any jurisdiction
• Any misdemeanor conviction in any jurisdiction within the last five (5) years.
• Any misdemeanor conviction in any jurisdiction within the last seven (7) years that involved a dishonest act or false statement, e.g., fraud, theft, perjury; or a crime against a vulnerable individual.
• Subject to review as to conflicts of interest and shall abide by the Code of Ethics for Judicial Employees.

Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position

Reports to Chief Judge or designee

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