Closing Date: 31st March, 2024
Description:
Summary:Under the general direction of the Local Administrative Judge, a judicial officer appointed under Texas Government Code ' 54.871 who assists the A Government Entity District Courts and County Courts at Law in handling proceedings that are referred to the Magistrate; serves the Courts by performing Initial Appearance duties in criminal cases according to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17; accepts guilty pleas for the Courts; acts as the contact for out-of-county arrests; follows changes in indigent defense law and ensures A Government Entity policy adheres to the law; and performs related duties as assigned.
Essential Duties:
- Performs Initial Appearance duties under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17 et al, including determination of probable cause, advisement of rights, setting bail, and imposition of conditions of release pending further proceedings
- Understanding and application of duties required by Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17, including the use of the public safety report system, considering information provided by the public safety report when considering bail, certification of bail forms, and other requirements of Senate Bill 6 from the 2nd special session of the 87th legislature.
- Performs review of assessments prepared by the pretrial services department when considering release
- Conducts legal research necessary to carry out the duties assigned to the magistrate
- Follows changes in indigent defense law and ensures A Government Entity Local Rules and policies adhere to the law
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
Qualification Requirements: Graduation from an accredited law school. Resident of the State of Texas. Must have been licensed to practice law in this state for at least four years. Must reside in the city limits of the City of Lubbock. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Supplemental Information:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of juvenile and criminal court rules and procedures; specific knowledge of the following statutes and rules: Code of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence, A Government Entity Local Rules, including Fair Defense Amendments, Rules of Judicial Administration, Code of Judicial Conduct; considerable knowledge of court case management; other required skills include: computer proficiency; the ability to quickly analyze law, apply facts and come to a conclusion; the ability to work accurately and rapidly; the ability to deal with the public in large volume and carry out the organizational objectives of the A Government Entity Court system; ability to handle high stress situations with acceptable judicial temperament, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, County employees, Department Heads, Elected/Appointed Officials, outside organizations, attorneys, the news media and the general public.
Physical and Environmental Requirements: Physical requirements include lifting/carrying 10lbs. occasionally; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and handling to perform the essential functions.
