Municipal Judge

Gfoat; Forney, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Forney seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Municipal Judge for the City’s Municipal Court of Record No. 1. The judge presides over trials and hearings, ensuring fair, efficient proceedings under Texas law.

The appointment is for two years by the City Council, with compensation set by the Council. Requires JD, Texas bar license, and good standing. Strong knowledge of criminal law and court procedures is essential.

Qualifications

• Hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Be a licensed attorney practicing law in the State of Texas.
• Be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and impartiality.
• Possess strong knowledge of criminal law, municipal court procedures, rules of evidence, and applicable Texas law.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with attorneys, defendants, witnesses, jurors, law enforcement personnel, and Court staff.
• Have no outstanding delinquent financial obligations to the City of Forney and not be a party or attorney in any lawsuit against the City of Forney.

Responsibilities

• Preside over jury and non-jury trials, hearings, arraignments, and other court proceedings.
• Hear cases involving City ordinance violations and other matters within Municipal Court jurisdiction.
• Conduct magistration and probable-cause proceedings.
• Issue warrants and other judicial orders as authorized by law.
• Set and address bonds and bail as permitted under Texas law.
• Rule on evidence, testimony, motions, and objections.
• Instruct juries and impose lawful fines, sentences, and other dispositions.
• Preside over juvenile matters within the Court's jurisdiction.
• Maintain courtroom decorum and provide a fair and impartial forum for all parties.
• Stay current on changes in Texas law, court decisions, and procedures affecting municipal courts.
• Perform other judicial and magistrate duties required by Texas law and the City Charter.

Skills

Judgment

Integrity

Impartiality

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Licensed attorney in Texas

State Bar of Texas in good standing

Job description

Serve the Court. Serve the Community.

The City of Forney is seeking an experienced, fair-minded attorney to serve as Municipal Judge and preside over the City of Forney Municipal Court of Record No. 1.

Two-year appointment by the Forney City Council, serving at the discretion of the Council, in accordance with the City of Forney Home Rule Charter. The Municipal Judge serves as the Court's magistrate and is responsible for ensuring cases are handled fairly, professionally, efficiently, and in accordance with Texas law.

Examples of Duties:

What You'll Do

• Preside over jury and non-jury trials, hearings, arraignments, and other court proceedings.
• Hear cases involving City ordinance violations and other matters within Municipal Court jurisdiction.
• Conduct magistration and probable-cause proceedings.
• Issue warrants and other judicial orders as authorized by law.
• Set and address bonds and bail as permitted under Texas law.
• Rule on evidence, testimony, motions, and objections.
• Instruct juries and impose lawful fines, sentences, and other dispositions.
• Preside over juvenile matters within the Court's jurisdiction.
• Maintain courtroom decorum and provide a fair and impartial forum for all parties.
• Stay current on changes in Texas law, court decisions, and procedures affecting municipal courts.
• Perform other judicial and magistrate duties required by Texas law and the City Charter.

What We're Looking For

Candidates must:

• Hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Be a licensed attorney practicing law in the State of Texas.
• Be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and impartiality.
• Possess strong knowledge of criminal law, municipal court procedures, rules of evidence, and applicable Texas law.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with attorneys, defendants, witnesses, jurors, law enforcement personnel, and Court staff.
• Have no outstanding delinquent financial obligations to the City of Forney and not be a party or attorney in any lawsuit against the City of Forney.

Two or more years of legal practice in Texas and prior municipal, criminal, prosecution, defense, or judicial experience are preferred.

Appointment

Under the City of Forney Home Rule Charter, the Municipal Judge is appointed by the City Council for a two-year term to preside over the City of Forney Municipal Court of Record No. 1, serves at the discretion of the Council, and receives compensation as established by the City Council. Compensation may not be diminished during the Judge's term of office and may not be based, directly or indirectly, on fines, fees, or other costs collected by the Court.