Magistrate - Part-Time
About the Role
Performs a variety of judicial duties in the Colorado Judicial System including deciding the merits of cases, hearing and evaluating evidence and witness credibility, analyzing laws and rules, making findings of fact and conclusions of law and issuing oral or written decisions and orders to resolve cases. Provides administrative direction for the operation of a judicial division including supervisory accountability for division staff, volunteers or interns.
Work assignments are designated by the Chief Judge of the judicial district and can require performing judicial duties in any or all of the following areas: criminal, civil, juvenile, domestic relations, probate, traffic and other judicial proceedings. The Magistrate position reports to the Chief Judge of the Judicial District and is not an elected position. A Magistrate serves in a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
This is a 0.9 FTE position (36 hours per week). Candidates must also apply for the complimentary 0.1 FTE Legal Research Attorney position (4 hours per week) found on the State of Colorado "Careers" webpage. The 20th Judicial District will select one candidate to fill both positions. Candidates who do not apply to both requisitions will not be considered.
The position is based at the Boulder County Justice Center (1777 6th St. in Boulder) with weekly travel to the Longmont Courthouse (1035 Kimbark St. in Longmont) and occasional travel to the Boulder County Jail (3200 Airport Rd. in Boulder).
Schedule
- In person, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM with a one-hour lunch break, excluding federal holidays
- Some weekend work required
Responsibilities
- Conduct initial appearance proceedings, including advisement of rights, setting bail, and imposing conditions of release
- Conduct bond review hearings, preliminary and disposition hearings, and arraignments on indictments and information
- Conduct probable cause hearings pursuant to the Uniform Act for Out-of-State Parolee Supervision
- Conduct hearings on modification of terms and conditions of probation or deferred prosecutions and deferred sentences
- Conduct settlement conferences and default hearings, including entering judgments and post-judgment proceedings
- Conduct hearings and enter orders authorizing sales under power pursuant to Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure
- Hear motions for temporary and permanent orders for establishment and modification of child support
- Conduct hearings under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, and Administrative Procedure Act for Child Support
- Conduct hearings for establishment and enforcement of child support orders
- Conduct proceedings under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
- Hear motions, conduct trials to court, accept pleas of guilty, and impose sentences in misdemeanor, petty offense, and traffic offense matters
- Determine motions relating to discovery and mandatory disclosure requirements
- Conduct deferred prosecution and deferred sentence proceedings in misdemeanor, petty offense, and traffic offense matters
- Conduct misdemeanor and petty offense proceedings pertaining to wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation
- Conduct proceedings pertaining to recreational facilities districts, control and licensing of dogs, campfires, and general regulations
- Conduct proceedings on petitions for name change
- Conduct trials and hearings on motions pursuant to small claims statutory provisions and rules
- Conduct civil trials to court and hearings on motions
- Conduct proceedings involving preliminary or permanent injunctions
- Conduct prison inmate litigation matters
- Conduct proceedings involving temporary restraining orders and traffic infraction matters
- Preside over all types of cases under the Children's Code including delinquency, dependency and neglect actions, adoptions, relinquishments, truancy, paternity, and support proceedings
- Enforce orders through contempt of court when appropriate
- Act as master, mediator, or arbitrator
- Order presentence investigations and set cases for disposition, trial, or sentencing before a judge
- Issue arrest and search warrants
- Enter pleas of guilty, deferred prosecution, and deferred sentence
- Perform duties delegated to a probate registrar, magistrate, or clerk
- Accept stipulated agreements to pay child support and voluntary acknowledgements of support liability
- Perform solemnization of marriages
- Provide advisements and set bail in criminal and traffic cases
- Issue restraining orders
- Attend meetings and training as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Administrative responsibility for the operation of a judicial division including supervisory accountability for division staff, volunteers, or interns
- Plan, direct, and coordinate activities for a judicial division
- Schedule and assign work, train in all facets of division operation, and quality control
- Make decisions impacting pay, status, and tenure of staff
- Conduct performance appraisals and provide input into and participate in discipline, hiring, and dismissal of staff
Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited law school
- Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Colorado and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Colorado
- At least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney
Physical Demands
- Regularly required to sit and talk or hear
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Work Environment
- Subject to many interruptions
- May be required to handle multiple calls and inquiries at once
- Noise level is usually moderate