Magistrate I Jobs

EXAMINATION: IMPORTANT NOTICE TO APPLICANTS. READ CAREFULLY. No written or oral examination will be required. Applicants will be scored on the basis of an evaluation of their education, training, experience and personal qualifications as outlined by the candidates' sworn statements in their application, upon corroborative evidence obtained by investigation and the applicants' responses to the job-specific Supplemental Questions. Applicants must provide all background information and supportive documents as requested on the application, supplemental questions and job posting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from a standard senior high school, or the successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test, preferably completion of a paralegal program, and a minimum of three years' responsible court clerical or criminal justice administration experience; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must become certified as a Magistrate/Court Clerk by the Alabama Administrative Office of the Courts within two years of employment as a Magistrate I and must attend annual maintenance courses as required to maintain certification.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORK: Considerable knowledge of the State Criminal Code; good knowledge of court rules, procedures, documents, functions and authority; good knowledge of methods and procedures to research the State Criminal Code and other state and local statutes and ordinances; good knowledge of elementary bookkeeping and accounting procedures; good knowledge of modern information systems; ability to accurately research legal documents; ability to conduct interviews; ability to analyze facts and evidence and exercise good judgment in deciding issues and cases; ability to draft warrants; ability to maintain confidential information required by legal and ethical standards; ability to work rotating shifts; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, attorneys, other employees and the general public.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.) Conducts probable cause hearings for charges brought by law enforcement officers and citizens; determines existence of probable cause; determines proper charge; issues appropriate complaint, affidavit or warrant; cites pertinent section of the code on arrest warrant; records and files warrants; appears in court to call cases to docket and give testimony; receives pleas of guilty in minor traffic cases according to a schedule of fines; holds bond hearings; receives uniform traffic citations and complaints; accepts payment in pleas of guilty; grants bail; interviews citizens with complaints; applies laws to specific complaints; consults with other court personnel on complaints of a serious or complex legal nature; researches laws and statutes; reviews pertinent new case law and legislation; assists law enforcement officials and citizens with questions pertaining to court related procedures; processes driver license suspensions; issues subpoenas; processes bond forfeitures; balances daily receipts and prepares deposits; refers victims to victim assistance agencies; prepares, records, processes and types court documents; completes and processes case or financial reports; assists in the preparation of the budget: supervises clerical employees as assigned; performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in positions of this class.) Conducts probable cause hearings for charges brought by law enforcement officers and citizens; determines existence of probable cause; determines proper charge; issues appropriate complaint, affidavit or warrant; cites pertinent section of the code on arrest warrant; records and files warrants; appears in court to call cases to docket and give testimony; receives pleas of guilty in minor traffic cases according to a schedule of fines; holds bond hearings; receives uniform traffic citations and complaints; accepts payment in pleas of guilty; grants bail; interviews citizens with complaints; applies laws to specific complaints; consults with other court personnel on complaints of a serious or complex legal nature; researches laws and statutes; reviews pertinent new case law and legislation; assists law enforcement officials and citizens with questions pertaining to court related procedures; processes driver license suspensions; issues subpoenas; processes bond forfeitures; balances daily receipts and prepares deposits; refers victims to victim assistance agencies; prepares, records, processes and types court documents; completes and processes case or financial reports; assists in the preparation of the budget: supervises clerical employees as assigned; performs related work as required.