Municipal Court Prosecutor

Position Overview

The City of Starbase is seeking a Municipal Court Prosecutor to represent the State of Texas in the City's Municipal Court. This Prosecutor is responsible for conducting prosecutions involving violations of City ordinances and applicable state laws within the court's jurisdiction, ensuring due process, and upholding the integrity of the justice system. The role is critical to establishing trust in local government, supporting professionalism, accountability, and public service, and operating a digital‑first Municipal Court.

Appointment and Term

The Prosecutor is appointed by the City Commission and designated as a municipal attorney or deputy municipal attorney for purposes of conducting prosecutions under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure arts. 45A.005 and 45A.006 and City of Starbase Ordinance No. 2026‑9. The position begins as part‑time / as needed, with a minimum of one court session per month (one day). The Prosecutor serves at the pleasure of the City Commission, consistent with Texas law and City policy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct prosecutions in the Municipal Court of fine‑only Class C misdemeanor cases and City ordinance violations as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 45A.005.
• Carry out the prosecutor's primary duty under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 45A.006: “not to convict, but to see that justice is done.”
• Review citations, complaints, and charging instruments for legal sufficiency; prepare, file, and amend complaints as appropriate.
• Appear for bench trials, jury trials, contested hearings, and other settings as directed by the City.
• Evaluate cases, confer with law enforcement and code‑enforcement personnel, interview witnesses, and prepare for trial.
• Negotiate and recommend plea agreements, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and other lawful resolutions consistent with justice and applicable law.
• Provide and respond to discovery; disclose exculpatory and impeachment information as required; issue and request subpoenas and other process as authorized.
• Coordinate with the Court Clerk, Municipal Court Judge, Starbase Police Department, code enforcement, and defense counsel while maintaining independent professional judgment.
• Use the City's electronic case management system and related court technology to review files, manage assigned cases, prepare and file documents, and maintain accurate digital records.
• Participate in the stand‑up of court technology and workflows, including training on the City's case management platform, and help the Court adopt efficient digital processes.
• Ensure prosecutions are conducted in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, Texas Constitution, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Penal Code, Texas Transportation Code, City ordinances, and applicable rules of evidence and professional conduct.
• Participate in continuing legal education and prosecutor‑specific training to remain in good standing and maintain competence in municipal court practice.
• This position is prosecutor‑only and does not include general City Attorney work, civil advisory services, or representation of the City outside Municipal Court unless separately authorized.

Qualifications

• Must meet all qualifications to serve as a municipal attorney or deputy municipal attorney under Texas law, including Texas Code of Criminal Procedure art. 45A.005.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Knowledge of Texas municipal court procedures, Class C misdemeanor practice, criminal law, and rules of evidence.
• Demonstrated comfort working in a digital environment and using electronic case management or comparable legal/court software.
• No professional or personal conflicts that would prevent fulfillment of prosecutorial responsibilities.
• Preferred: Prior experience as a municipal prosecutor, prosecutor in another Texas court, or practicing attorney with relevant municipal and/or criminal court experience; familiarity with court technology, e‑citations, electronic signatures, digital evidence, online payments, and modern court administration practices; experience working in or with local government; enthusiasm for implementing new technology solutions in a newly established court.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong professional temperament, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, ordinances, and legal precedents accurately.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage a docket effectively and handle case review.
• Commitment to fairness, transparency, and respectful treatment of all parties.
• Ability to work collaboratively with City leadership, the Court, law enforcement, and court staff while exercising independent prosecutorial judgment.
• Comfort with technology and willingness to learn, adopt, and productively use new court software, electronic filing, docket tools, and other digital solutions.
• Ability to work effectively with electronic records and, as authorized, remote or hybrid court tools without sacrificing courtroom presence, due process, or public access.

Ethical Standards

The Municipal Court Prosecutor must comply with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure arts. 45A.005 and 45A.006, and all applicable state and federal laws governing prosecutor conduct, disclosure, and conflicts of interest.

Compensation

Compensation shall be established by the City Commission and may be structured as an hourly, per‑session, or other part‑time fee arrangement, consistent with Texas law and City policy. Compensation shall not be based directly or indirectly on fines, fees, or costs collected by the Court.

Working Conditions

Court sessions are held as scheduled by the City, primarily in a courtroom and office setting. Evening or special sessions may be required. Sessions are expected to be held at City facilities in Starbase, Texas; travel to Starbase is required for in‑person court. The Prosecutor will work in the City's electronic case management system and other court technology tools; some case review and administrative work may be performed remotely.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. The City of Starbase reserves the right to modify this description as needed to meet operational and legal requirements. Candidates will be required to undergo a background check and reference verification. Portions of application materials may be subject to the Texas Public Information Act. The City of Starbase thanks you for your interest in serving our growing community.