Municipal Court Judge

Job Summary

This position’s primary duty is to provide Municipal Court Judge services in a comprehensive and timely manner. Under general supervision and with minimum guidance, the incumbent is responsible for interpreting and applying local municipal laws to include criminal, traffic, code enforcement, and sales tax, and may act as hearing officer over certain licensing or other administrative matters as requested by the City Manager. The Municipal Court Judge will work with the court clerk and the prosecuting attorney to preside over the Municipal Court in accordance with the Colorado Municipal Court Rules of Procedure. The Municipal Court Judge is appointed for a four-year term and is subject to removal by the City Council. This job/class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.

Hourly Pay Range DOE: $200.00 to $265.00

This is a part-time position that regularly works ten (10) hours per month.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Issuance of subpoenas, search warrants, bench warrants, and warrants to enter properties.
• Approve docketing, calendaring, and case management policies and procedures.
• Establish bond and fine schedules as set by the State of Colorado.
• Preside over Municipal Court for all misdemeanors, City matters, jury and non-jury trials, pre-trial conferences, and other cases appropriately tried in Municipal Court.
• Support court activities with Municipal Court Clerk, City Attorney, and/or City Prosecutor.
• Acts as Hearing Officer in various capacities such as Employee Appeals Board, Board of Adjustment to review applications for property variances, and Liquor Board to review applicants for liquor licenses.
• Review legislation and current case law affecting offenses and the criminal justice system and implement procedures to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with the City Manager, City Council, and applicable city departments to ensure policies, ordinances and orders are within the parameter of state law.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with citizens and co-workers.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by the City Council or City Manager.

Supervisor Duties

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

A Municipal Court Judge works primarily within a courtroom and office setting, overseeing cases related to traffic violations, misdemeanors, code violations, and other local ordinance infractions. They spend much of their time presiding over hearings and trials, listening to arguments, reviewing evidence, and issuing rulings. Outside of the courtroom, they conduct legal research, draft decisions, and meet with attorneys or court personnel in their chambers. Their work takes place in a formal, professional environment, typically within a city-operated courthouse or government building, often with security measures in place to ensure safety.

The role is largely sedentary, involving long periods of sitting while reviewing case materials or presiding over proceedings. Judges primarily work standard business hours, though some cases or administrative duties may extend beyond the typical workday. They utilize legal research tools, case management software, and courtroom technology such as microphones and recording systems to facilitate their work. Regular interactions with attorneys, litigants, law enforcement personnel, and city officials require strong communication skills and a composed demeanor.

Municipal Court Judges face various challenges, including high case volumes and the responsibility of making impartial decisions that impact individuals and the broader community. Citizens expect their cases to be handled promptly and with efficiency. The Municipal Court Judge is tasked with promoting efficient disposition of cases, while preserving citizens’ due process rights. Some cases may involve contentious or emotional disputes, requiring patience, professionalism, and sound judgment. Despite these challenges, the role is critical in upholding local laws and ensuring fair legal proceedings within the municipal court system.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association is REQUIRED
• License to practice law in the State of Colorado is REQUIRED
• Five (5) years of experience in the practice of law is REQUIRED
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License REQUIRED
• Three (3) years representing a public entity is preferred
• Criminal and/or Municipal Law experience is preferred
• Active Membership in the Colorado State Bar Association is a bonus
• Knowledge of ordinances, statues and court decisions relating to Municipal Court is preferred
• Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence is preferred
• Knowledge of municipal code structure is preferred
• Ability to analyze evidence, apply existing laws impartially and render prompt, equitable verdicts
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and written
• Ability to operate a computer, software and other office equipment

Required Capabilities

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• To perform the essential job functions and to ensure the safety of themselves, their coworkers, and the public, employees must have the ability to regulate attention; to plan; to understand, remember, and apply information; to effectively interact with others; to concentrate and maintain pace; and to adapt or regulate one’s behavior.
• Ability to proficiently read, speak, and understand English. Proficiency in non-English languages is highly valued.
• 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.
• Ability and willingness to use case management software and work primarily in a “paperless” system.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, statistical and mathematical abilities and interpersonal skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write complex reports and distill information for many audiences.
• This position requires close, distance and peripheral vision.
• Ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using one or both ears, at a distance of six (6) feet. Ability to hear sounds and signals indicating work and safety necessities.
• This position requires standing, walking and sitting for periods of time. Utilization of hands and fingers to operate office computer keyboard and equipment required. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch if needed.
• This position requires effective proficiency in the use of computer software and applications, office equipment, and professional telephone use. The ability to adequately type quickly with few to no errors is also very important. This position will often require multi-tasking in the use of computer, phone, and office equipment while interacting with clients. Candidates for this position may be required to take and pass technology proficiency assessments prior to employment.

** This job is open from 02/04/2025 until filled. **