Municipal Court Judge - City of Mercer Island

Agency Name: City of Mercer Island

Position / Job Title : Municipal Court Judge

Location: Mercer Island, WA

Category : Attorney

Job Description: Working up to 20 hours per week, the Municipal Court Judge presides over and adjudicates a variety of hearings and trials related to criminal and civil cases in accordance with established legal procedures and prescribed in Washington State law, imposes appropriate sentences and penalties as prescribed by law, and communicates with City, County, and State criminal justice agencies. The Judge is appointed by the City Manager and confirmed by the City Council for a 4-year term. The Municipal Court is an independent branch of City government.

The following details the essential functions of the position:
• Presides over and adjudicates a variety of Municipal Court hearings and trials in criminal and civil cases in accordance with Washington State law.
• Presides over, directs, and controls jury trials, pretrials, arraignments, post-conviction reviews, and other hearings.
• Reviews and signs warrants and other court orders; researches legal issues and maintains current knowledge of legislative changes impacting Municipal Court procedures, criminal, and traffic laws.
• Hears, tries, and adjudicates a variety of cases such as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes, traffic and parking violations (including mitigation and contested hearings).
• Hears and weighs testimony and evidence presented to render an appropriate verdict; imposes just sentences and penalties as prescribed by law; utilizes alternatives to incarceration such as electronic home detention, and remedial and community service programs as appropriate.
• Directs the preparation and maintenance of court dockets as well as supporting documents; assuring proper collection, disbursement and accounting for fines and other monies paid to the City.
• Communicates with various community agencies, mental health court, and County offices regarding probation, specific referrals, driving records, domestic violence cases, common defendants, and treatment programs available for mental health and alcohol problems.
• Communicates with a variety of City departments including the City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, Finance Department, Police Department, and others as needed.
• Oversees the daily operation of the Municipal Court and all employees assigned to perform court functions, including the Court Administrator. Provides leadership and guidance and conducts performance evaluations.
• Speaks to community groups, presides at ceremonial functions, and administers oaths of office and other similar duties prescribed by law or as requested by the City Manager or City Council.
• Performs all other related duties according to and governed by GR 29, as assigned, or requested.

Link to Application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mercerisland/jobs/3273577/municipal-court-judge