ASSOCIATE MAGISTRATE

Salary: $47.97 - $52.97/Hr (DOQ)
FLSA Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Municipal Court

About the role

Lake Havasu City is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to serve as an Associate Magistrate. In this role, you will preside over a variety of misdemeanor and civil traffic cases, ensuring the fair and efficient administration of justice within the parameters of Arizona law and City ordinances.

Responsibilities

• Preside over diverse hearings, including initial appearances, arraignments, pre-trial conferences, civil traffic hearings, probation violation hearings, restitution hearings, sentencings, bench trials, and protective order hearings.
• Adjudicate misdemeanors, criminal traffic, civil traffic, and city code violations; make independent judgments on pleas, motions, and sentencing; and impose lawful sentences.
• Review and sign criminal complaints and search warrants; conduct thorough legal research to prepare opinions and interpret complex City, State, and federal laws, ordinances, statutes, and court decisions.
• Analyze evidence presented in court, apply existing laws and rules, issue necessary court orders, and manage bond forfeiture and order-to-show cause hearings.
• Assist the City Judge in administering court policies and procedures, ensuring all actions comply with the Rules of Judicial Conduct and all applicable court rules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to the area of assignment (e.g., Political Science, Criminal Justice, Law); a Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required.
• Moderate experience in law enforcement, practicing law, or acting in a judicial capacity is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License of appropriate class is required.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of the Arizona Rules of Court, state statutes, City ordinances, Municipal Court procedures, and the Rules of Judicial Conduct (Supreme Court Rule 81).
• Exceptional skill in presiding over courtroom proceedings and conducting comprehensive legal research.
• Ability to make quick, independent judgments while under pressure and working under stressful conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal matters to diverse audiences.
• Ability to maintain the highest moral character, strict confidentiality, and deal courteously and effectively with the public and all court professionals.