Magistrate

Hamilton County, Indiana•Noblesville, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Incumbent serves as Magistrate for the Hamilton County Courts. This role involves conducting various hearings, taking and certifying affidavits, issuing warrants, setting bail, and enforcing court rules. The Magistrate reports findings, enters final orders, and conducts sentencing hearings. They also review case files, consult with relevant parties, and perform other duties as allowed by law, such as administering oaths. Additionally, the Magistrate may serve as a judge pro tempore or special judge, and is required to be on-call 24/7 in rotation for emergencies, as well as serving for night court. The role also includes supervising assigned court reporters and other staff.

Requirements

Possession of a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and admission to practice of law in the State of Indiana.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local laws and ordinances to various specific situations and circumstances.
Thorough knowledge of legal terminology and standard legal documents and forms.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with judges, probation officers, caseworkers, law enforcement personnel, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and standard office procedures.
Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of court information and records according to state requirements.
Ability to comply with all court policies and work rules, including but not limited to attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect.
Ability to occasionally work extended, weekend, and evening hours, and periodically travels out of town, sometimes overnight.
Ability to appropriately respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

Responsibilities

Conduct hearings of all types as assigned by the supervising judge, including criminal hearings such as preliminary, initial, omnibus, or other pretrial hearings, and civil case-type hearings such as dissolution of marriage, paternity, guardianship, and protective order.
Conduct evidentiary hearings or trials and receive jury verdicts.
Take and certify affidavits or depositions, order issuance of subpoenas, compel attendance of witnesses, punish contempt of court, issue warrants, set bail, and enforce court rules.
Report findings in evidentiary hearings, trials, and/or jury verdicts to the court.
Verify certificates for the authentication of records of a proceeding conducted by the Magistrate.
Enter final orders, conduct sentencing hearings, and impose sentences when the Magistrate presides at a criminal trial.
Review memoranda and files in regard to hearings, discussions with judges, probation officers, attorneys, and/or caseworkers as needed.
Perform other duties as allowed by law, including, but not limited to, administering an oath or affirmation.
Serve as a judge pro tempore or as a special judge as required.
Serve a 7-day, 24-hour on-call status in rotation with all other elected judges and magistrates for emergencies.
Serve as judge for night court in rotation with all other magistrates.
Supervise and manage assigned court reporter and/or any other staff as assigned to them.
Perform related duties as assigned.