Municipal Court Magistrate

About the Department

This position performs a variety of judicial duties as a Certified Municipal Court Magistrate.

Position Duties

• Prepares dockets for court.
• Prepares court notices.
• Assists Municipal Judge during court dockets.
• Conducts probable cause hearings; consults the criminal code; reviews evidence and interviews witnesses; issues arrest warrants.
• Answers telephone and greets visitors; provides information and assistance; refers to appropriate personnel.
• Receives payments from bond companies and citizens; sets up payment plans.
• Prints, scans, and faxes documents.
• Maintains a variety of files and records.
• Enters court activity to computerized database.
• Processes citations and fingerprint cards for ALEA reporting.
• Completes Court Appointed Attorney packets.
• Processes records requests for citizens, attorneys, and the Legal Department.
• Transfers cases to Circuit Court.
• Maintains Warrant Log.
• Works weekends in accordance with established schedules.
• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• At least two (2) years of professional customer service experience required, preferably in a role involving direct interaction with the public.
• At least two years of professional administrative/clerical experience required. 
• Must be proficient with computers, including Microsoft office products such as Outlook, Word, Excel and Adobe.
• Possession of or the ability to readily obtain State of Alabama Municipal Court Magistrate certification.
• Knowledge of Municipal Court policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure. 
• Knowledge of the Code of Alabama. 
• Knowledge of the City of Decatur Code of Ordinances. 
• Knowledge of legal forms, documents, and terminology. 
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs. 
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work. 
• Skill in problem solving. 
• Skill in interpersonal relations. 
• Skill in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Other Qualifications

Guidelines

• The Decatur Code of Ordinances, the Code of Alabama, and Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

• The work consists of related clerical and administrative duties. Strict deadlines and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide support for the operations of the Municipal Court. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of court operations.

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, judges, attorneys, other court personnel, defendants, victims, witnesses, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide service.

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping.
• The work is typically performed in an office and courtroom.

• None.