LEGAL-Municipal Court Judge (Part-Time

LEGAL-Municipal Court Judge (Part-Time)

Position:
Municipal Court Judge (Part Time)

Department:
Legal

Reports To:

City Manager

The Municipal Court Judge is appointed by the City Manager and approved by City Council. The Judge ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice in compliance with local, state, and federal laws while presiding over trials and hearings, including non-jury and jury trials, stolen property dispositions, and dangerous animal hearings.

The Judge also reviews requests for continuances and other motions and conducts pre-trial hearings for all Class C misdemeanors filed in the City of Lufkin Municipal Court. This position performs all functions and duties required under the City Charter, City ordinances, state law, and other legally permissible and appropriate duties as assigned.

This is an as-needed contract position with no guaranteed hours. Hours typically range from 25 to 30 per month.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree.
• Valid license to practice law.
• Five years of experience as a practicing attorney or judge in the State of Texas.
• Knowledge of ordinances, statutes, and court decisions relating to municipal court jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence, as well as the organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the Municipal Court.
• Prior municipal court or judicial experience preferred.
• Resident of Angelina County, Texas.

Major Duties

• Serve as the Municipal Court Judge with all related functions and duties.
• Preside over all proceedings in Municipal Court.
• Exercise independent judgment within established legal guidelines and ensure Municipal Court activities comply with federal and state laws, City policies, and City goals.
• Review and sign probable cause affidavits and complaints prior to issuance of warrants; issue arrest warrants or search warrants, as appropriate, for persons or places within the Court's jurisdiction.
• Adjudicate municipal ordinance violations, including criminal, traffic, alcohol, truancy, code enforcement, animal offenses, and juvenile docket matters.
• Manage court dockets and schedules to efficiently process cases and support timely resolutions.
• Monitor changes in state and federal laws, regulations, standards, and legislation affecting municipalities.
• Uphold ethical standards and integrity in all judicial activities.
• Collaborate with the City Manager and City Council to establish performance benchmarks related to Court effectiveness and productivity.
• Follow City policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned