Magistrate / Deputy Court Administrator

The District Court Judge is seeking a professional to fill the Newaygo County Magistrate/Deputy Court Administrator position.  As Magistrate, this position is responsible for fulfilling quasi-judicial functions as prescribed by State statute which includes issuing search and arrest warrants, conducting arraignments, setting bonds, imposing sanctions, holding hearings, and mediating small claims for assigned cases.  Additionally, this position will participate in an on-call rotation during weeknights and weekends issuing warrants and setting bonds as needed.  As Deputy Court Administrator, this position serves in a leadership role assisting the Judge and District Court Administrator with judicial and administrative goals and functions which includes oversight of six administrative staff positions. Given the elevated job responsibilities, the ideal candidate will have excellent leadership, communication, analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.  On the job training will be provided.

Newaygo County offers a generous fringe benefit package which includes retirement and health insurance with no payroll deduction.  Additionally, longevity pay increases are available beyond the top hourly rate as listed above.

1. Issues search and arrest warrants in person or by telephone and fax machine in accordance with established procedures and legal standards, and upon determination of probable cause, ensuring warrant information is complete and accurate, and forms are properly dated and signed. Records probable cause statements when issuing felony warrants.
2. Conducts arraignments in accordance with statutory authority for individuals charged with violations of State laws and codes such as Michigan vehicle code, penal code, conservation acts, and motor carrier acts; as well as marine, snowmobile, recreational vehicle, liquor control, and animal control laws and ordinances. Advises defendants of charge and legal rights, determines eligibility for appointed counsel.
3. Sets bond when appropriate based on seriousness of crime, risk to community, likelihood of defendant’s court appearance, and other relevant factors. Authorizes 
4. Hears and presides over traffic, parking, municipal, and state civil infraction admissions and conducts informal hearings which includes explaining procedures to parties, swearing witnesses, listening to testimony, and examining witnesses; and making findings of fact, conclusions of law, and determinations of responsibility. Determines fines and costs.
5. Imposes sanctions (passes sentence) on cases within jurisdiction for jail time, fines and costs or community service following findings or pleas of guilt and based on seriousness of offense, defendant’s record and other appropriate factors.
6. Maintains cooperative working relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement and corrections staff in order to gather and exchange information related to changes in laws and court rules, or resolve other questions or issues related to court matters, bonds, or case disposition.
7. Performs marriages in accordance with civil standards and prepares marriage certificates. Conducts ceremonies with required dignity and decorum.
8. Keeps current regarding trends and developments in legislation and court decisions affecting processing and disposition of criminal and civil cases through reading of professional literature or attendance at appropriate conferences and seminars.
9. Responsible for accurately entering vital court information into various computer programs, including but not limited to PAAC Code Manuals (use of electronic warrant manuals establishing proper charge codes are entered into court system); Judicial Data Warehouse (web-based application providing up-to-date criminal/civil information on all defendants in the State of Michigan); MDOS driving records (on-line process of obtaining individual driving records from the Secretary of State); Live Scan Fingerprints (electronic prints of all defendants charged with criminal violations); CTN Reporting (electronically up-dating criminal history of defendants); software payment manager, and on-line payment of fines and costs.
10. Serve as Deputy Court Administrator, filling in as needed and assisting with overall court administration by contributing to planning, evaluation and control of staff, record keeping, and enforcement of policies and procedures.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, public administration or related field.

Experience: Five to seven years of progressively responsible related experience.  

Requirements: 

• Completion of the State Court Administrator’s Office training course in Traffic Law adjudication and sanctions and obtain related certification within six months of employment.
• Registered elector of Newaygo County, and qualify as Magistrate through official appointment by Chief Judge, completion of constitutional oath of office and filing of bond in accordance with State statutes. 

Salary : $26 - $31