97TH

DISTRICT COURT HOUGHTON DEPUTY MAGISTRATE

Full-Time | 37.5 Hours/Week | Judicial & Court Administration A Judicial and Court Administration Opportunity The 97th District Court is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Deputy Magistrate. The Deputy Magistrate performs judicial and administrative duties as authorized by Michigan law and under the supervision of the District Court Judge and District Court Administrator / Chief Magistrate. The Deputy Magistrate exercises independent judicial authority within the statutory jurisdiction of a magistrate and performs a variety of judicial, administrative, and court-related functions. The position also assists with the administration and coordination of magistrate services throughout the three-county jurisdiction, including scheduling and coordinating the work of Assistant Magistrates as assigned. The Deputy Magistrate is also responsible for designated administrative functions of the District Court, including processing and coordinating accounts payable and assisting with the administration of the Court's treatment court program and related grant-funded activities. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, strong communication skills, and the ability to interpret and apply Michigan statutes, Court rules, and established Court procedures. The Deputy Magistrate works closely with the District Court Judge, Chief Magistrate, Court staff, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, attorneys, and members of the public. Key Areas Of Responsibility Presides over informal hearings involving all traffic, state and municipal civil infraction matters, as well as ordinance violations. Explains applicable laws and procedures to the parties, administers oaths, hears testimony, examines witnesses, makes findings of fact and conclusions of law, and assesses appropriate sanctions upon findings of responsibility. Prepares all necessary paperwork for judgments, dismissals, and other dispositions. Conducts arraignments in felony and misdemeanor matters. Sets bond and bail amounts, types, and conditions as authorized by law; schedules court dates in criminal cases; and prepares all necessary paperwork for release, including bonds, notices, LEIN orders, and related documents. Ensures required documents are properly served upon defendants and law enforcement. Accepts and examines affidavits for search warrants submitted by law enforcement officers. Upon determining that probable cause exists, issues search warrants in accordance with applicable law and court rules. Serves in a rotating on-call status with Assistant Magistrates throughout the three-county jurisdiction for the issuance of after-hours search warrants, 365 days per year, 24 hours per day. Maintains Search Warrant records for the 97th District Court as required by law and established Court procedures. Reviews and accepts admissions of responsibility and admissions with explanations in civil infraction matters. Considers defendants' verbal or written explanations and determines appropriate dispositions, including assessing fines and other sanctions as authorized by law. Accepts pleas and sentences defendants for misdemeanors within the magistrate's jurisdiction, including applicable traffic misdemeanors, hunting, fishing and marine misdemeanors, dog law, liquor control, littering, recreational trespass, and other misdemeanors not punishable by imprisonment. Prepares judgments of sentence, orders of commitment to jail, and other required documentation. Maintains current knowledge of legislation, Michigan statutes, court rules, and legal developments affecting the Court and law enforcement. Recommends to the District Court Judge and Chief Magistrate appropriate legal procedures and revisions to Court systems, procedures, forms, and clerical codes. Assists with the administration and coordination of magistrate services throughout the 97th District Court's three-county jurisdiction. Schedules and coordinates the work of Assistant Magistrates serving in Keweenaw and Baraga Counties, as assigned, including court coverage, scheduling, and the consistent administration of magistrate functions. Processes and coordinates accounts payable for the District Court, including reviewing invoices and supporting documentation, ensuring appropriate coding and approvals, and coordinating the timely submission and processing of payments in accordance with County and Court procedures. Assists with the administration of the 97th District Court's related grant-funded activities, including related administrative responsibilities, grant requirements, financial documentation, reporting, coordination with treatment court staff and participating agencies, and other treatment court functions as assigned . Assists with the administration and oversight of Court programs, grants, and other funding sources as assigned by the District Court Judge and Chief Magistrate. Maintains appropriate and professional working relationships with all three counties served by the 97th District Court. Represents the Court in its dealings with governmental agencies, law enforcement agencies, private organizations, attorneys, and members of the public. Interacts with professional organizations, associations, community groups, and other agencies to explain the purpose, role, jurisdiction, and procedures of the Court. Performs civil marriage ceremonies in accordance with Michigan law. Assists with the development, implementation, and improvement of Court procedures and administrative processes. Performs other duties as assigned by the District Court Judge and Chief Magistrate. What We Are Looking For Knowledge of Michigan statutes, court rules, and procedures applicable to the jurisdiction of the District Court and magistrates. Ability to interpret and apply statutes, court rules, and established legal procedures. Ability to conduct court proceedings in a fair, professional, and impartial manner. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions within the statutory authority of a magistrate. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion in sensitive matters. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, court personnel, law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, county officials, and the public. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and changing priorities. Ability to schedule and coordinate the work of Assistant Magistrates and maintain consistent court coverage throughout the assigned jurisdictions. Ability to review invoices, financial documentation, and other administrative records with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to assist with the administration of treatment court programs, grants, and related administrative requirements. Ability to work independently while operating under the direction of the District Court Judge and Chief Magistrate. Proficiency with standard office technology and court case-management systems. Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Michigan Judicial Institute training completion
• Must meet all statutory qualifications and requirements for appointment as a magistrate under Michigan law.
• Previous experience in a court, law enforcement, legal, governmental, or related field is preferred.
• Experience interpreting and applying Michigan statutes, court rules, or legal procedures is preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to successfully complete any required background investigation and other employment requirements.

How To Apply Interested candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume to Keith Anderson, District Court Administrator, at keith@houghtoncounty.gov , or apply through the position posting on Indeed . Posting is open until the position is filled.

Pay:

From $57,276.35 per year

Work Location:

In person