Magistrate

State of North Carolina • Columbus, NC

1d • $51,951 - $69,551

About The Position

Magistrates are judicial officials who 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 person in this full-time position serves as an officer of district court in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes §7A 170-179. The position requires working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Magistrates are nominated by the Clerk of Superior Court and appointed by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge to an initial two-year term. Work schedules are determined by the Chief District Court Judge. Magistrates are statutorily required to reside in the county served by the position or a contiguous county. For this position, the applicant must reside in Columbus County or one of its contiguous counties.

The entry rate of pay is commensurate with prior experience as a Magistrate. The stated salary range is $51,951 to $69,551 per year; $69,551 is the entry rate 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 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 Columbus County or one of its contiguous counties 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 a team and under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the general public.
• Ability 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 a Magistrate for the stated entry rate of $69,551.

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
• Career Level: Entry Level