Magistrate

Description

The municipal court magistrate advances all municipal court cases through the judicial process on a municipal level as required by the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure and The Code of Alabama 1975. Magistrates are considered chief officers of Municipal Court and are subject to the administrative direction of the Clerk of Municipal Court. Magistrates are appointed to serve upon the written recommendation of the Municipal Court Judge.

• Determines probable cause for the issuance of warrants of arrest or summons for criminal offenses; may issue subpoenas, depose suspects, victims and witnesses, and review evidence.
• Conducts hearings with jailed inmates to set bail; approves cash, property and surety bonds; releases defendants charged with municipal offenses on personal recognizance while considering victim safety, suspect interests and likelihood of appearing.
• Interview inmates charged with domestic‑violence related crimes to determine conditions of release.
• Receives pleas of guilty on certain cases and adjudicates; may dismiss certain charges, conduct arraignments, set non‑guilty pleas for trial, and grant continuances.
• Oversees court proceedings by managing defendants and defense attorneys, while settling cases contained on the docket.
• Conducts compliance and probation dockets, meeting with defendants to ensure Judge’s orders are followed and facilitating required attendance and completion of court‑ordered programs and counselling services.
• Processes payments, maintains a balanced cash drawer, and prepares daily deposits, including transactions from the court office window, mailed, and online payments.
• Performs administrative tasks including managing case files, preparing dockets and processing incoming citizen correspondence and requests.
• Determines actions for defendants who fail to appear, including issuing Failure‑to‑Appear warrants, suspending driver’s licenses, and forfeiting bonds.
• Provides on‑call support to the Pelham Police Department, remaining available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to conduct hearings and issue warrants as needed.
• Establishes and maintains effective and collaborative work relationships with others.

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs.
• Team Work – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Leadership – Inspires respect and trust.
• Ethics – Works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures.
• Accountability – Takes responsibility for own actions.
• Professionalism – Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position.
• Quality – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience working in a similar role is preferred.

• Current Municipal Court Magistrate Certification through Alabama Judicial College required.
• ACJIC/NCIC Certification must be obtained within one year from hire date.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management.

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most…