Municipal Court Magistrate

Are you passionate about public service, driven by purpose, and ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? The City of Decatur is seeking a dedicated Municipal Court Magistrate to support the fair and efficient administration of justice while serving as an important resource to the Municipal Judge, attorneys, law enforcement, and the public. In this role, you’ll be more than a court professional—you’ll exercise sound judgment, conduct probable cause hearings, assist with warrants and court proceedings, and help ensure the integrity and accuracy of essential court operations.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• 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

• 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.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• 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.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None.