Magistrate - Stafford Office

Commonwealth Of Virginia; Stafford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick leave

Paid state and federal holidays

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Life insurance

Deferred compensation

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking a Magistrate for the Stafford Magistrates' Office in Region 6. The role involves issuing warrants, conducting hearings, and ensuring compliance with Virginia law through impartial judicial proceedings.

Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, Virginia residency, and a bachelor’s degree. Training and background checks are required; State Bar membership is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen and a resident of Virginia
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Review § 19.2-37 to ensure eligibility for appointment as a Magistrate
• Transcripts for all undergraduate and post-graduate education must be provided
• Fluency in written and spoken English with strong communications skills
• Knowledge of the Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates

Responsibilities

• Issuing arrest warrants and summonses for criminal offenses and violations
• Issuing search warrants
• Conducting bail hearings and admitting defendants to bail or committing them to jail
• Issuing Emergency Protective Orders
• Issuing mental health and medical custody and detention orders
• Performing other acts or functions authorized by law

Skills

English fluency

Interpersonal skills

Legal research

Judicial hearings

Fact-finding

Accounting for funds

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Virginia State Bar membership (preferred)

Job description

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an opening for a Magistrate position in the Stafford Magistrates' Office in Magisterial Region 6. Although the primary location for this position is the Stafford Magistrates' Office, a Magistrate is appointed to a Region and may be assigned anywhere within the Region. Region 6includes Caroline, Charles City, Essex, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, and York Counties and the Cities of Richmond, Poquoson, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg. Principal offices are in James City, New Kent, Gloucester, Charles City, Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and King George.

A Magistrate is a judicial officer appointed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

A Magistrate's duties and responsibilities include:

• Issuing arrest warrants and summonses for criminal offenses and other violations of Virginia law;
• Issuing search warrants;
• Conducting bail hearings and admitting persons charged with criminal offenses to bail or committing them to jail;
• Issuing Emergency Protective Orders;
• Issuing mental health and medical custody and detention orders; and
• Performing other acts or functions authorized by law.

Magistrate offices are open 7 days per week 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays, and the specific schedule may vary. Magistrates work under the supervision of a Chief Magistrate. This position offers a competitive benefits package which includes vacation and sick leave, paid state and federal holidays, health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, deferred compensation, and short-term and long-term disability benefits.

Magistrates are subject to the Canons of Conduct for Virginia Magistrates.

Minimum Qualifications

Under , a Magistrate must be a United States citizen, be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Please review § 19.2-37 to ensure you are eligible for appointment as a Magistrate.

Additional Considerations

All candidates are subject to a criminal history background check. Proof of U.S. citizenship and Virginia residency must be provided.

Transcripts for all undergraduate and post-graduate education must be provided before the start of employment.

A successful applicant must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Fluency in written and spoken English with strong communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a professional manner with coworkers, complainants, petitioners, and witnesses, including law enforcement officers;
• Ability to research and interpret the Code of Virginia and other legal resources;
• Ability to conduct judicial hearings in a neutral and impartial manner;
• Ability to ascertain facts from oral testimony and written submissions and apply them to relevant legal principles;
• Ability to properly account for funds; and
• General computer proficiency and typing skills.

A successful applicant may also:

• Possess relevant legal experience, training, or education; and/or
• Be a member of Virginia State Bar.

Under , no person appointed as a magistrate on or after July 1, 2008, may engage in the practice of law.

If not previously certified as a magistrate, the successful candidate must attend an intensive training course which focuses on Virginia law and procedure, pass a written examination, and complete a certification process that includes supervised on-the-job training. Overnight travel may be required for students outside the Richmond area.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.