MAGISTRATE SUPPORT OFFICER - Criminal Courts

Summary

Prepares documentation for magistration. Conducts criminal history screenings and generate risk assessments and financial assessments on arrested persons to assist the Magistrate in effectively setting a bond and determining eligibility for court-appointed counsel. Follow up for any orders or conditions imposed by the Magistrate.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepares pre-release investigation documents as directed by the magistrate judges for release hearings.
• Notifies the Attorney Appointment Office of non-compliance issues regarding indigence affidavits.
• Enters interview information into the automated case management system. Reviews the automated records for accuracy.
• Maintains automated records for defendants requesting counsel that accurately reflect activities related to financial information and presentation to the Office of Attorney Appointments.
• Researches, verifies, and enter defendants' criminal history into risk assessment tools.
• Assists in creating court docket for daily arraignments.
• Ensures release conditions are conveyed to and understood by defendant.
• Coordinates and conducts defendant interviews at the County jail and other locations as required.
• Investigates and verifies financial information for ability to pay bond and hire attorney.
• Notifies defendants of upcoming court dates via phone, mail, e-mail, and/or text to ensure appearance at scheduled court dates. Coordinates with CSCD and magistrates regarding conditions of bond. Monitors personal bond dockets to record whether an attorney has been retained or if appointed counsel is required. Records appearance at personal bond dockets and updates defendant contact information as necessary. Provides a point of contact for defendants on bond.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• HS diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of experience in criminal justice or military field.
• Additional years of education will substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis. Must become TLETS certified within six (6) months of hiring.
• Ability to assume responsibility without direct supervision.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Knowledge of court systems and procedures.
• Must be able to adapt and adjust to requirements of multiple court procedures and work within those procedures.
• Must be able to use office machines, computers, printers, and telephones as well as have good typing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft products and the Integrated Justice Information Online system.
• Working knowledge of the application sections of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures and Penal Code.
• Accepts assignments to any shift or work area as determined by the department’s policies or needs.
• Works overtime as required.
  
  

Physical Demands And Work Environment & Other Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, carry, climb stairs, hear, keyboard, lift below the waist, tolerate noise, perform repetitive tasks, see far and near, sit, stand, talk, use his/her hands, walk, work alone and with others, and work overtime. Working in jails may expose employee to fights or violence.