Job Description

Come work at a place where we strive to promote and create a safe community. We take pride in living and working in Central Texas and are looking for exceptional talent to join our team.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Magistrate Judge shall have all the powers and duties as set forth in Chapter 54, Texas Government Code, Sections 54.1602 and 54.1603 and as may be amended or authorized by the Legislature and/or the Commissioners Court of Bell County.

Jurisdiction of the Magistrate Judge is concurrent criminal jurisdiction with the judges of the justice of the peace courts in Bell County, to include but not limited to:

• All the powers and duties set forth in the Code of Criminal Procedural and other laws of the state of Texas relating to magistration;
• Conducting hearings to give admonishments, to set and review bail and conditions of release, appointment of legal counsel, determination of other routine matters relating to preindictment or pending cases within those courts’ jurisdiction;
• Issuance of search warrants and arrest warrants;
• Issuance of emergency mental health detention warrants;
• Issuance of orders for emergency protection;
• Issuance of peace bonds; and
• Conducting examing trials.

The Magistrate Judge may inquire into a defendant's examining intended plea to the charge and set the case for an appropriate hearing before a judge or master.

The Magistrate Judge may administer oaths.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Must have served as a Justice of the Peace or Municipal Court Judge or be a licensed Attorney in the State of Texas.
• Must be a resident of the State of Texas and Bell County.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in computer operation and, Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Physical Demands:

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Salary/Benefits

• $100,000 per year
• All standard county employee benefits

Additional Qualifications:

Additional Recruiting Instruction:

Bell County reserves the right to extend or remove this job posting at any time at the hiring managers discretion.

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy located at the Historic Courthouse, 3rd Floor, in downtown Belton.