Municipal Court Judge Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY

The Court Solicitor serves as the prosecuting attorney for the Municipal Court and represents the City in the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, City ordinance violations occurring within the City’s jurisdiction, and City property abatement proceedings. The Court Solicitor works closely with the Municipal Court Judge, Court Services staff, and the Police Department to ensure cases are prosecuted efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with applicable laws and legal procedures.

This position reviews case files, prepares prosecutions, appears in Municipal Court proceedings, and provides legal guidance related to prosecution and abatement matters. The Court Solicitor operates with professional legal independence while coordinating with court administration, the City legal department, and City leadership regarding Municipal Court operations.

Salary Commensurate with Experience

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Represents the City in the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and City ordinance violations before the Municipal Court, and property abatement proceedings within the City of Douglasville
• Reviews citations, arrest reports, and related case documentation submitted by law enforcement to determine appropriate charges, case disposition, and prosecution strategy.
• Prepares cases for court proceedings, including reviewing evidence, coordinating with law enforcement officers, and preparing witnesses as needed.
• Manages appeals of municipal court cases.
• Performs prosecutorial duties consistent with applicable legal and ethical standards governing attorneys and officers of the court.
• Negotiates plea agreements and recommends appropriate case resolutions consistent with applicable laws and municipal ordinances.
• Advises law enforcement officers and court staff on legal issues related to prosecutions and Municipal Court procedures.
• Works collaboratively with the Municipal Court Judge and Court Services staff to support effective docket management and timely resolution of cases.
• Provides legal guidance to the Police Department related to charging decisions, citation requirements, and court testimony preparation. 
• Provides guidance and periodic training to law enforcement personnel regarding citation requirements, charging standards, courtroom testimony, and evidentiary procedures to support effective case preparation and prosecution.
• Ensures compliance with applicable state laws, municipal ordinances, and court procedures governing Municipal Court prosecutions.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation related to case preparation and court proceedings.
• Conducts legal research related to municipal law, criminal law, and court procedures.
• Works in coordination with the City Manager, City Administration, and Staff Attorney/City Attorney/Assistant City Attorney on matters related to Municipal Court operations and prosecution practices.
• May provide legal support to the City’s Staff Attorney on special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
• Three (3) years of experience practicing law, preferably in criminal prosecution, municipal law, or related courtroom practice. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience prosecuting cases in municipal or state courts.
• Familiarity with Georgia Municipal Court operations and procedures.
• Experience working with law enforcement agencies and court personnel

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

Membership in the Georgia State Bar Association.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Georgia criminal law, municipal ordinances, and Municipal Court procedures.
• Knowledge of legal standards governing misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and city ordinance enforcement.
• Knowledge of the Georgia Appellate Practice Act.
• Skill to conduct legal research and analyze criminal and municipal law issues related to prosecutions.
• Skill to prepare legal pleadings, motions, and other documents related to court proceedings.
• Ability to present cases, legal arguments, and evidence clearly and effectively in a courtroom setting.
• Ability to review citations, police reports, and case evidence to determine appropriate charges and case disposition.
• Ability to negotiate case resolutions and plea agreements consistent with applicable law and City ordinances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Municipal Court Judge, court personnel, law enforcement officers, City officials, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and maintain organization in a high-volume docket environment.
• Ability to use standard office technology and maintain accurate case documentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires sustained mental acuity and concentration; frequent verbal and written communication; and the ability to hear, see, and distinguish details at a level necessary to review legal documents, conduct research, and participate in meetings and proceedings. The position involves repetitive motion related to computer use and document preparation, as well as occasional reaching, grasping, handling, pushing, pulling, kneeling, or crouching associated with routine office activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

 The work is performed in a courtroom and office environment and requires the incumbent to make decisions that may have significant legal, organizational, or community impact if not addressed accurately and in a timely manner. Regular attendance at scheduled court sessions is required. Work may require preparation outside of court hours and occasional evening court sessions.