Municipal Court Judge

Summary Objective

This position is created by Article 6, Sec. 1 of the Charter of the City of McAllen. As a constitutional position in this City’s government, the Municipal Court Judge is responsible for administration of the Municipal Court in accordance with the City Charter, State and Federal Law, Judicial Opinions and Guidelines of the higher Courts and Office of Court Administration. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• The Municipal Court Judge is responsible for setting procedure and policies in the Court for personnel, courtrooms, arraignments and all other court processes in accordance with the City Charter, Federal and State Law, State and Federal Constitutions, Judicial Opinions and Guidelines of the higher Courts, the Office of Court Administration, and City of McAllen policies and procedures.
• The Municipal Court Judge is responsible for fine collections and department budget preparation and submittal.
• The Municipal Court Judge schedules, assigns work for and oversees all court personnel, including the Assistant Municipal Court Judges, Court Administrator, clerks and associated police personnel assigned to the Court. The Municipal Court Judge handles personnel matters for Assistant Municipal Court Judge’s, Court Administrator and court clerical personnel. 
• The Municipal Court Judge acts as a magistrate to conduct arraignments on Class A and B misdemeanors, felonies and Class C misdemeanors two times a day. As a magistrate, the Municipal Court Judge reviews and executes warrants and conducts juvenile magistrations at all hours of the day and night (including but not limited to arrest warrants, search warrants, administrative search warrants, phone search warrants and blood search warrants). This position requires working nights, weekends and holidays as needed when an Assistant Municipal Court Judge is not scheduled.
• The Municipal Court Judge considers and rules on bond reductions and motions to dismiss from the District Attorney’s Office and Private and Public Attorneys on higher charges. The Municipal Court Judge conducts Examining Trials.
• The Municipal Court Judge conducts hearings as needed in the jail on a daily basis. The Municipal Court Judge conducts hearings and bench and jury trials for Class C misdemeanors throughout the day on dockets that may reach 100 cases in total.
• The Municipal Court Judge manages implementation of the TCIC/NCIC system in the court and oversees all federal and state reporting requirements.
• The Municipal Court Judge oversees technology and records retention matters.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires an accredited Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• This position requires ten (10) years of state bar licensure.
• This position requires ten (10) years of experience in criminal prosecution or defense work.
• Ten (10) years of municipal court judicial appointment, preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• This position requires a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License.
• This position requires a valid license to practice law in the State of Texas.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This position is safety sensitive, subject to random drug and alcohol testing. 
• This position has supervisory responsibilities over others. 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of McAllen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified persons to perform the essential functions of this position. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

DISCLAIMER

This job description summarizes essential job functions and minimum job requirements for entry level work and typical duties illustrative of the type of work customarily assigned and performed in this position. However, this job description does not represent every aspect of the job nor does it guarantee permanent employment, as all positions with the City of McAllen are employment at will positions. Job descriptions are subject to periodic updates and modifications. The City reserves the right to change work assignments and other aspects of a job. The City of McAllen is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local laws.