Municipal Court Judge

City of Friendswood•Friendswood, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Friendswood is seeking applications for a Municipal Court Judge. This role involves adjudicating fine-only criminal cases related to city ordinances and state law, acting as a magistrate under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and presiding over the Friendswood Municipal Court dockets within its jurisdictional limits. The court is not a court of record. The position is appointed by the Friendswood City Council for two-year terms, beginning July 1st of each even-numbered year.

Requirements

Must be a licensed attorney in Texas, in good standing.
Must meet minimum mandatory continuing education requirements for Municipal Court Judges as established by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
A minimum of five years of legal experience, including service as a municipal court judge (presiding or associate) or as a prosecutor.
Must be available to work at a variety of hours, including evenings, before/after normal business hours, weekends, and holidays.
This position operates on a 24-hour on-call status and may require after-hour duties with short notice to support the Friendswood Police Department and Municipal Court.
This position may require 24-hour availability during emergency conditions.

Responsibilities

Preside over municipal court and jail dockets, including plea/arraignment, non-jury, and jury dockets.
Conduct trials, arraignments, administrative hearings, and juvenile hearings.
Adjudicate guilt or innocence for Class C misdemeanors and assess punishment.
Sign and issue warrants and court orders.
Issue written and oral instructions and opinions.
Issue Emergency Protective Orders for all family violence arrests and conduct modification hearings.
Conduct daily magistrate warnings for misdemeanors and felonies, making appropriate rulings on bonds.
Sign off on blood search warrants.
Perform court duties as assigned by the Director of Municipal Court and coordinate with Associate Municipal Court Judge(s) for absences.
Consult with Associate Municipal Court Judge(s), City Prosecutor(s), and the Director of Municipal Court on improving court operations for speedy and efficient justice.
Respond to the Police Department for exigent circumstances to perform magistrate duties, issue/process warrants, and administer bail/bond matters.
Furnish periodic reports on work or services to the Mayor or City Manager upon request.
Adhere to all canons of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and report inquiries/investigations by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to the City Council promptly.
Perform all other duties required of a municipal court judge.