Associate Judge

About the Position

You would join a team of associate judges who are called upon when coverage is needed due to the Presiding Judge being unavailable or the size of the docket requires the operation of two courtrooms and the Associate Judge handles the docket in the secondary courtroom. The Associate Judge presides over all stages of a case from arraignment, motions, to trial to the court or jury trial.

Each Associate Judge receives a handbook of the policies, procedures, and sentencing guidelines. The Associate Judge is also trained by the Presiding Judge to ensure there are not disparities among the judges.

The court consists of an executive administrator, two managers, and 10 court specialists. The court specialists are very proficient in their areas of criminal justice and are available to assist the Associate Judge as needed. The team is very collegial, passionate, and supportive of one another. A healthy culture and work environment are paramount.

The ideal candidate can learn how to manage cases and dockets relatively quickly, is compassionate and respectful to all defendants and victims, is thoughtful about putting the imprint of justice on every case to the best of their ability, is without ego, and earns the respect of others.

Provide judicial coverage when the Presiding Judge is on vacation or otherwise unavailable, or when the docket size requires an additional judge to hear the cases. Provide judicial functions for the Municipal Court, a home rule court of record, through adjudication of traffic, criminal, parking and other municipal code violations. Conduct hearings on motions, trials to the court, jury trials and other requisite judicial duties when the Presiding Judge is unavailable or in instances of judicial disqualification.

Provide coverage on a temporary and as needed basis.

Provides judicial services consistent with the United States and Colorado Constitutions, Colorado State law, the Charter and ordinances of the City of Thornton and the Colorado Code of Judicial Conduct.

Adjudicates criminal, traffic and non‑traffic municipal ordinance violations for both adults and juveniles. Conducts hearings required to adjudicate cases including but not limited to arraignments, motions, pre‑trial hearings and trials. Addresses cases and applies laws.

Reviews arrest affidavits and determines probable cause; issues search warrants for municipal matters when appropriate.

Works effectively with judicial colleagues and court staff, and other City departments as necessary.

Administers equitable, fair, and impartial justice in a timely and courteous manner.

Protects fundamental rights and promotes public safety.

Conducts arraignments, hearings, and trials in an efficient and appropriate manner. Advises defendants of their rights, administers oaths and affirmations, rules on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony, examines evidence and interprets applicable law, and enforces orders, rules, and judgments in compliance with applicable law.

Reviews files for Municipal Court defendants who have recently been placed in custody at the Adams County Jail and other facilities. Sets bond types and amounts and/or holds video advisements in an efficient and appropriate manner.

Imposes fines per the approved fine schedule and sentences upon finding of guilt or responsibility according to City Code, and state and federal law. Enforces penalties fairly and consistently, according to City Code and Charter as well as state law.

Protects and preserves the record to ensure that the City and defendants have a record on which to appeal, if necessary.

Participates in procedures to respond quickly and appropriately to failures to appear, pay, and/or comply with sentencing conditions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Registered Electors of the State of Colorado and at least twenty‑five (25) years of age.

Five years of criminal litigation and/or judicial experience;
Demonstrable knowledge of, and the ability to apply the Colorado Rules of Evidence, the Colorado Rules of Criminal…