Magistrate

JOB
This is an advanced quasi-legal work position in the issuing and recording of arrest warrants, complaints, and affidavits. Work also includes granting bail and receiving guilty pleas in minor misdemeanor cases. This position involves interviewing citizens with complaints and hearing charges brought by law enforcement officials, determining the existence of probable cause, and proper charges, and issuing appropriate complaints, affidavits, and/or warrants. This position also collects for traffic citations, court costs, and parking citations. At this level, the employee works with considerable independence. Work is primarily reviewed by the Court Clerk Administrator.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Verify the authenticity of municipal ordinances for cases on appeal and other court-related purposes.Determine the existence of probable cause based on the facts as related by the complainant, proper charge, and issuance of arrest warrants.Approve appearance and appeal bonds and assist the Court Clerk in maintaining a log of all appealed cases.Determine from the complaint, from any depositions filed with the complaint, and from any evidence presented that the offense complained of has been committed and that there is probable cause for believing that the accused committed said offense.Receive guilty pleas in municipal ordinance cases where a schedule of fines has been established under ARJA Rule 20.Accept payment for municipal parking tickets under ARJA Rule 19(B).Adjudicate and render administrative decisions regarding municipal parking tickets in the event a dispute arises under ARJA Rule 19(B).Hear complaints from citizens and charges brought by law enforcement officials and determine whether the complaint is a civil or criminal matter, as well as inform the complainant of alternative remedies.Assist the Court Clerk in processing municipal court cases and maintaining court records.Withdraw alias warrants, copy warrants, and copy warrants of arrest.Issue failure to pay fines and restitution notices.Answer police inquiries as to the disposition of cases, payment of fines, etc.Research criminal and traffic records in response to inquiries.Assist the public and attorneys by providing copies of court records.Update and print warrant log weekly.Purge warrants daily from the computer to update the warrant log.Provide routine information to citizens relative to payment of fines and/or other relative information concerning traffic tickets.Process all paid cases and notify the Department of Public Safety of the disposition.Retain original tickets and file them in numerical order as A.O.C. Record Retention Schedule Requires.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A thorough knowledge of law enforcement and court-related practices and procedures.Knowledge of civil and criminal law of the state and city.Proficiency in interviewing and eliciting information, as well as investigating facts.Proficiency in oral and written communications.Proficiency in typing skills at a level equal to or exceeding 45+ words per minute.Basic bookkeeping skills.Proficiency with a computer.May be required to get NCIC Certification.Ability to operate or learn to operate an NCIC computer terminal with state-mandated NCIC certification.The ability to work well under pressure and be able to deal professionally with people who may not be very courteous.Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.Supervision: Overall objectives have been established and the supervisor provides direction on completing work assignments. Employee works with considerable independence and is required to make decisions on their own. Work involves interviewing citizens with complaints, assessing complaints, determining if the complaint is civil or criminal, and determining as to whether the matter is civil or criminal. Supervisor is informed of all major or unusual situations.Physical Demands (with or without accommodations): Lifting, filing, driving, typing, listening, observing, and subject to being on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Equipment/Tools Used: Computer, Calculator, Telephone, Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedures, Alabama Criminal Code, City Ordinance, Fax Machine, and NCIC Computer.Applications may be used for up to ninety (90) days for similar job postings.The City of Florence, Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.