Clerk III

The Criminal/Civil Court Clerk is responsible for processing all pending criminal files.  The Clerk III has constant contact with Judges, Court Staff, attorneys, the District Attorney’s office, other County Departments and the public. Duties include performing complex clerical assignments in processing legal instruments and other court records. Court Clerk must be available for appearance in the courtroom, and other clerical duties necessary to the efficient operation of the court. This position also requires a thorough knowledge of civil filings such as new cases, pleadings filed at the counter and through the mail, will answer inquiries by the general public and responsible for answering the telephone. Must process legal instruments and other court records.    

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Duties include the following: 

• Prepares files for new criminal indictments.
• Issues capias and precepts for defendants who have not been arrested.
• Prepares and issues subpoenas, attachments, writs of commitment and other legal instruments as authorized by the court or requested by attorneys and other parties.
• Prepares and delivers various legal documents to the judge for approval and signature.
• File mark orders signed by the judge, sends copies to counsel of record.
• Responds to telephone inquiries from attorneys and other interested parties regarding procedure, dates of filing certain instruments and other information related to cases.
• Assist the Adult Probation Officers, parole officers, investigators, immigration officers, and public.
• File and process Motions and Orders, extract files and route to appropriated courts for Judge’s review and ruling.
• Processes Motions to Revoke and Motions for Adjudication of guilt. Re-activate cases in the computer, issues alias capias.
• Involved in issuing Bench Warrants, Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum and other writs.
• Responsible for timely sending to the Sheriff’s Office all capias, subpoenas, writs. Etc. on a daily basis.
• Processes the returns of capias, bench warrants and writs received from the Sheriff’s Department.
• Criminal background checks and prepares certified document for defendants with a record or without a record.
• Assists with order of dismissals, order granting probation, order of deferring, in putting information in the computer and disposing of the case.
• Assists in the preparation of copies requested by phone, law enforcement agencies, mail or personal request by the public.
• Files and processes applications for Writ of Habeas Corpus.
• Maintains constant availability for Court appearance if called and attend all court sessions when needed.
• Responsible for recording of court records.
• Responsible for the operation of the Imaging System, preparation of criminal cases for scanning, indexing and review.
• Assists in filing original petitions, pleadings, motions, etc. filed at the counter and through the mail.
• Enters information into the computer pertaining to litigants, attorney’s pleadings, and enters fees in the computer.
• Issues civil citations, precepts, subpoenas, writs or other legal documents.
• Locates information in established files and retrieves files upon request.
• Accepts passport applications, reviews for accuracy, administers oath, accepts payment of fees, and prepares the transmittal form to passport agency.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.
• Attendance is an essential function of the job.

 Note:  The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position and is assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; Courses in typing and computer skills desired, plus two (2) years of experience in clerical functions. At least one (1) year in a District Clerk's office; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Minimum requirements of this position are at least 2 years clerical experience, which includes data entry skill.  Must have the ability to function well under pressure and be congenial with the public. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is a sedentary position.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.