Municipal Court Clerk

City of Lucas • Lucas, TX

2d • $37,545 - $62,575 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the City Manager and in coordination with the Municipal Judge, the Municipal Court Clerk performs administrative, clerical, cashiering, and customer service duties necessary for the daily operation of the Municipal Court. This position serves as the sole court staff member and is responsible for maintaining court records, processing citations and payments, preparing court documentation, coordinating court dockets, assisting the Municipal Judge, and ensuring compliance with applicable state laws and court procedures. The Municipal Court Clerk must maintain a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, accuracy, and customer service while interacting with defendants, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, outside agencies, and the public.

Requirements

• Knowledge of municipal court procedures, legal terminology, court recordkeeping practices, and applicable state laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of cashiering procedures, cash handling, reconciliation, and basic bookkeeping practices.
• Ability to independently organize, prioritize, and manage all daily Municipal Court operations with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
• Ability to understand and apply the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Transportation Code, Penal Code, and applicable City ordinances.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports with attention to detail.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and court management software systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, coworkers, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive or stressful situations professionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to learn and adapt to changing laws, regulations, and technology systems.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of administrative, clerical, cashiering, customer service, or related office experience required.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Texas Municipal Court Education Center (TMCEC) Level I Court Clerk Certification preferred or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required TCIC/TLETS and CJIS training certifications within established timeframes, if applicable.
• Notary Public certification preferred or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Municipal court or legal office experience preferred.
• Experience handling cash transactions and reconciliation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary point of contact for Municipal Court operations by answering phones, assisting customers at the counter, responding to emails, and providing information regarding court procedures, payments, warrants, and court dates.
• Maintains and updates court records, case files, citations, warrants, dockets, and other legal documentation in the court management software system.
• Serves as courtroom clerk during court sessions and performs courtroom administrative support duties.
• Receives and processes payments for court fines, fees, court costs, bonds, and other related transactions by cash, check, money order, credit card, online payment, or mail.
• Balances daily cash receipts, reconciles transactions, prepares deposits, and maintains accurate financial records related to court operations.
• Prepares court dockets, jury lists, summons, subpoenas, warrants, notices, judgments, and other court-related documentation.
• Coordinates court sessions, arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and jury trials; schedules cases and notifies defendants, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, and law enforcement personnel of court dates and appearances.
• Assists the Municipal Judge, prosecutor, attorneys, and law enforcement personnel during court proceedings.
• Reviews court files for compliance with judicial orders and applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Processes dispositions, deferred disposition agreements, defensive driving requests, payment plans, time-served documentation, and case closures.
• Prepares correspondence and official notices to defendants, attorneys, bonding companies, and outside agencies.
• Processes warrants, warrant recalls, capias warrants, and failure-to-appear notices in accordance with court procedures and judicial direction.
• Maintains confidentiality of court records and sensitive information in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Generates reports required by the Office of Court Administration (OCA), DPS, and other state or local agencies.
• Responds to requests for court records and public information in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains records retention and document management in accordance with state retention schedules.
• Coordinates with Finance Department staff regarding deposits, reconciliation, reporting, and audit requirements.
• Attends court-related training, seminars, and certification programs to maintain professional knowledge and compliance requirements.
• Participates in special projects, audits, software implementations, or process improvement initiatives.
• Assists with general front-counter operations and customer service activities for City Hall as assigned.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Responsible for accurate receipting, balancing, reconciliation, and safeguarding of court-related funds and financial records.
• Maintains accountability for court deposits, bond monies, and associated documentation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED