Commissioner (Openings in Queen Anne's & Talbot)

Multiple vacancies available in the District Court for Queen Anne’s County (Centreville, MD 21617) and Talbot County (Easton, MD 21601).

About the Role

District Court Commissioners are judicial officers whose primary function includes reviewing Applications for Statement of Charges by the public and police for the filing of criminal charges in the District Court. A Criminal Summons or an Arrest Warrant may be issued based upon a finding of probable cause in the Application for Statement of Charges. Commissioners are often the first impression of the court for the public and for those having business with the court system in Maryland.

When the Circuit and District Courts are closed, District Court Commissioners also serve in the capacity of considering civil petitions for interim Peace Orders and interim Protective Orders. According to Courts and Judicial Proceedings 2-607 [c](3), "There shall be in each county, at all times, one or more commissioners available for the convenience of the public and police in obtaining charging documents, warrants, or criminal summonses and to advise arrested persons of their rights as required by law."

Responsibilities

• Determine probable cause for charges on police on-view arrests of persons.
• Determine pre-trial release for arrested persons.
• Accept Bail Bond moneys and other forms of surety to secure the release of an incarcerated individual.
• Consider civil petitions for interim Peace Orders and interim Protective Orders when courts are closed.
• Advise arrested persons of their rights as required by law.
• Perform duties in locations including District Court buildings, police stations, or Central Booking facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must reside in the county, or a contiguous county where employed (a Contiguous County is any Maryland County connected by land, including roads and/or bridges). Baltimore City residents are only eligible for consideration with Baltimore City District Court.
• Bound by the Code of Ethics for Judicial Appointees; cannot be politically slanted, run for office, or endorse a candidate. May be restricted from outside employment and/or volunteer activities.
• Upon hire, must obtain and maintain CPR certification (renewed every 24 months).
• Upon hire, must maintain NCIC CN5 certification to conduct Criminal Record Checks on arrested persons (renewed every 24 months).
• Must be available for service 24/7 and are considered essential personnel.
• Must be flexible to work shift work and at various locations, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have demonstrated experience using a personal computer and the ability to type efficiently.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor.
• Must have the ability to make decisions based on criteria set forth in the Law and Administrative regulations.
• Must be a United States citizen or eligible to work in the United States.

Skills

• Ability to work in high-stress environments and interact with individuals who may be hostile, emotionally charged, or in distress.
• Strong decision-making skills based on legal criteria.
• Proficiency in using personal computers and typing efficiently.
• Adaptability to rotating shifts, emergencies, and staffing shortages.

Pay

Salary: $68,227 annually. Shift differential: $3.00/hour for hours worked between 5:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Schedule

• Talbot County: Rotating weekly between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM.
• Queen Anne’s County: 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM.

The Office of the District Court Commissioner does not close during inclement weather, times of emergency, or when other state agencies and offices are closed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition assistance and continuing education programs.
• Employee assistance programs.
• State Retirement and Pension plans.
• Financial disclosure required.