Description

Job Summary:  

As per Section 9.02 of the Charter of the City of Kerrville, this position is appointed by the City Council to serve as presiding judge of the City of Kerrville Municipal Court.  Responsible for conducting bench and jury trials, accepting pleas, providing oversight of Teen Court proceedings, supervision of maintenance of official records of proceedings, and performing the duties of magistrate under Texas State Law.  Work is performed with professional independence within the framework of City ordinances and Texas laws applicable to administration of a court of non-record and judicial proceedings. 

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.

1. Presides over the Municipal Court for all class C Misdemeanors, municipal ordinance violations, truancy cases, and Kerrville Teen Court.
2. Reviews jail, pleadings and trial calendars prior to scheduled sessions of the court; presides at court sessions; accepts pleas, conducts bench and jury trials as necessary and sentences defendants found guilty; issues court orders and warrants.
3. Conducts hearings and rules on motions, pre-trial hearings and scheduling of cases outside regular sessions of the court.
4. Performs legal research as necessary on matters before the court, studies legal periodicals, new laws, and appellate court decisions to maintain current knowledge of judicial developments.
5. Follows all rules of procedure contained in the ordinances of the City of Kerrville and Texas state law; has the power and authority to administer official oaths and affirmations and give certification thereof, to place persons on deferred adjudication, to issue subpoenas, arrest warrants, search warrants, and all other processes known to the law which justice courts are by law authorized to issue in similar cases.
6. Supervises the maintenance of official record of proceedings; makes appropriate notation on the docket as to the disposition of each case.
7. Stands accountable for the integrity and appropriateness of the judgment made in court.
8. Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Duties are generally performed in an office setting.  Some light work requiring occasional lifting objects up to 20 pounds to move objects.  Must be able to sit for long periods of time.  Work may also require stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.  

Salary = Depends on qualifications and experience

Requirements

Education, Certification and Experience Required:  

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, and have a minimum of two years’ experience in the practice of criminal law in Texas.
• Must be a citizen of the United States and the State of Texas.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Requires a thorough knowledge of City of Kerrville Ordinances and State laws as they pertain to a court of limited jurisdiction, Code of Criminal Procedure, Traffic Code, Juvenile law, rules of evidence, trial and courtroom procedures, and the functions and operation of a court of non-record.
• Ability to communicate complex and/or sensitive legal ideas and information to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive and professional manner, both orally and in writing.
• Must have skill in conflict resolution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with elected officials, citizens and City staff.
• Analyze evidence and data presented in court, apply existing laws fairly and impartially, and render prompt and equitable verdicts.
• Work with City administration in resolving administrative matters affecting the court.
• Execute duties whenever needed or required.
• Perform all duties in an efficient, competent, and professional manner.
• Ability to be sensitive to diverse personalities, lifestyles, and orientations.
• Ability to maintain an atmosphere of decorum and professionalism in the courtroom.
• Ability to apply a broad legal background to judgment made on the bench.
• Experience with and working knowledge of applicable computer software. 

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:  

• Operates standard office and computer equipment as needed.

Special Requirements:

• Must be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.