Indigent Defense Specialist - Associate Judge/Magistrate

About the role

The Indigent Defense Specialist supports the activities of the Magistrate Court by performing a variety of administrative and technical work.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research for difficult inquiries and special projects, communicates with arresting agencies to gather warrants/probable cause and magistration documents, processes applications and files with the appropriate clerk’s office in Denton County.
• Ensures adherence to established federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Stamps and codes various documents and judicial orders according to established procedures, assigns various routing codes to computer files to designate intended recipient for further processing.
• Interviews applicants and verifies all financial information by reviewing current bank statements, account balance, proof of public benefits, unemployment status, spousal or other income received and living expenses.
• Creates, processes, and distributes orders determining Indigence and Substitutions and takes appropriate steps with final paperwork, ensuring the applicant and attorneys, when applicable, receive a copy of the order.
• Initiates reports in computer software that generates an updated list of defendants that remain in custody without attorney representation.
• Prepares and issues orders for appointment of court appointed attorney, denial of court appointed attorney and orders of substitution, when required, and ensures the orders are filed with the District or County Clerk.
• Assists the public, other agencies and Court Appointed Attorneys with case information and application status.
• Receives and responds to incoming mail/emails and submits electronically, using E-File, to the appropriate recording clerks.
• Provides customer service by answering questions in a professional manner without offering advice on legal matters.
• Utilizes computerized data entry equipment and various word processing and file maintenance programs to enter, store, and/or retrieve information; maintains pertinent files and records; scans and copies documents as necessary; ensures files are complete and accurate.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum three years of experience in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience required.
• A minimum of one year experience working in a detention facility is preferred.
• Must be able to be certified as a TLETS Operator.
• Must not have any Class B misdemeanor or higher convictions or deferred adjudications.

Qualifications

• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Experience with legal terminology and procedures.

Benefits

Denton County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families, including group health plans, life, disability, and long term care insurance, flexible spending accounts, and retirement benefits.

Pay

Salary range: $35,000 - $45,000 annually.

Schedule

Full-time position, 40 hours per week.