Magistrate

State of North Carolina • Mecklenburg County, NC

1d • $51,951 - $69,551

About The Position

The Magistrate is a full-time officer of the district court serving in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes §7A 170-179. Magistrates evaluate requests for criminal charges, issue criminal process and search warrants, and conduct initial appearances, including bond hearings, for defendants upon arrest. They also preside over Small Claims Court hearings and perform marriage ceremonies. The role requires working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Clerk of Superior Court nominates candidates for appointment by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, who appoints magistrates to an initial two-year term. The Chief District Court Judge determines magistrates’ work schedules. The position requires residency in Mecklenburg County or a contiguous county at the time of nomination. The salary range is $51,951 to $69,551; the entry rate is commensurate with prior experience as a magistrate, and is $69,551 for a magistrate with an active law license from any state.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; or eight years as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina; or an associate degree and four years of related work experience.
• Related work experience may include teaching, social services, law enforcement, arbitration or mediation, the court system, or counseling.
• Must reside in Mecklenburg County or a county contiguous to Mecklenburg County at the time of nomination.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions.
• Proficiency in general office and computer skills.
• Understanding of North Carolina court system procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team and under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the general public.
• Must be able to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience as a magistrate affects the entry rate of pay.
• An active law license from any state qualifies for an entry rate of pay of $69,551.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requests for criminal charges.
• Issue criminal process and search warrants.
• Conduct initial appearances, including bond hearings, for defendants upon arrest.
• Preside over Small Claims Court hearings.
• Perform marriage ceremonies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level