Magistrate

State of North Carolina • Sampson County, NC

1d

About The Position

The Magistrate is a full-time officer of district court appointed to an initial two-year term by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, following nomination by the Clerk of Superior Court. The Chief District Court Judge determines magistrates’ work schedules. The role serves Sampson County and requires the magistrate to reside in Sampson County or a contiguous county at the time of nomination.

Magistrates evaluate requests for criminal charges and issue criminal process and search warrants. They conduct initial appearances, including bond hearings, for defendants upon arrest; preside over Small Claims Court hearings; and perform marriage ceremonies. The position requires working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The salary range is $51,951 to $69,551. Entry pay is commensurate with prior experience as a magistrate; the stated entry rate for a magistrate with an active law license from any state is $69,551.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; or eight years as a North Carolina law enforcement officer; or an associate degree and four years of work experience in a related field.
• Related fields include teaching, social services, law enforcement, arbitration or mediation, the court system, or counseling.
• Must reside in Sampson County or a contiguous 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.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requests for criminal charges and 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.
• Serve as an officer of district court in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes §7A 170-179.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree