Municipal Court Judge Ii

The Municipal Court Judge II (Judge II) performs professional judicial duties for the Municipal Court of the City of Las Cruces (City), New Mexico in accordance with the City of Las Cruces Charter and Municipal Code. The Judge II is responsible for interpretation and application of local ordinances and applicable state laws. The Judge II shall perform these duties by presiding over cases filed in the Las Cruces Municipal Court.

The Judge II hears and decides cases involving individuals charged with alleged violations of the Las Cruces Municipal Code. Duties also include determining appropriate sentences for individuals convicted of ordinance violations. Potential penalties are established by City ordinance. Duties require the exercise of extensive independent and sound judgment, appropriate judicial temperament, ability to comply with the New Mexico Code of Judicial Conduct and the legal knowledge and organizational skills to manage the court docket case load.

Salary: Pursuant to Municipal Code, Municipal Court Judge II's salary will be $147,909.53.

The City Council will use this job posting to appoint a Municipal Court Judge II to serve until the next regular election pursuant to the City Charter, Article IX, Section 9.02. Municipal Judges, which states:

(a) A municipal judge shall be elected, for a term of four (4) years, at the regular municipal election.

(b) The council may authorize the election of additional judges if it determines that the workload of the court requires more than one (1) judge.

(c) The council may fill a vacancy by appointment of a municipal judge to serve until the next regular election.

The next municipal election will be in November 2025.

(Duties listed below do not include all tasks and functions which may be assigned.)

The Municipal Judge II performs the duties and obligations set forth in subsections 17-32(a) and (b) and shall meet the requirements set forth in the City Charter section 9.03 and is subject to the conditions set forth in section 17-34.

Presides over Municipal Court for City matters, criminal and traffic nonjury trials, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, probation violation hearings, arraignments, and other proceedings appropriately filed in Municipal Court.

Schedules regular Court dates to provide prompt, swift, and fair administration of justice.

Reviews and/or denies requests for continuance.

Fairly and impartially preside over and issue verdicts in trials and where applicable, determine appropriate sentences in cases which result in convictions of Municipal ordinances.

Responsible for reviewing court cases, determining proper course of action and signing all documents.

Fairly and impartially review criminal complaints filed within the Municipal Court for the existence of probable cause.

Conduct arraignments for individuals in custody and determine and set conditions of release in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for the Municipal Courts and Article II, Section 13 of New Mexico Constitution.

Reviews and analyzes legal issues based on applicable municipal ordinances and current case law.

Performs legal research.

Reviews Court paperwork; determines proper course of action, and signs all appropriate documents.

Conducts court hearings

Issues warrants and summons.

Always interact with members of the public, law enforcement, attorneys, and court staff in a manner required by a member of the judiciary.

Comply with the New Mexico Code of Judicial Conduct.

Annually attend the Municipal Judge conference in accordance with Section 35-14-10 NMSA 1978

Must be a qualified elector of the City, and possess a valid license to practice law in the State of New Mexico

Must be an active member in good standing of the New Mexico State Bar Association.

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Graduate from an accredited school of law with a Juris Doctorate; and

Two or more years of experience as a practicing attorney in the State of New Mexico.

Prior experience in Municipal Court may be preferred.

Knowledge of:

principles of criminal law, particularly working knowledge of ordinances, statutes, charter provisions, state law, and New Mexico appellate court decisions relating to cases or legal issues within Municipal Court jurisdictions.

Court procedure and the New Mexico Rules of Evidence as well as the organization, duties, powers, limitations, and authority of the Municipal Court.

Ability to:

remain in good standing as a duly licensed attorney authorized to practice law in the State of New Mexico.

analyze evidence, apply existing laws impartially and render prompt, equitable verdicts.

take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure compliance.

perform a variety of duties and responsibilities timely and with accuracy to meet deadlines and ensure achievement of objectives.

possess a sense of fairness and exhibit respect towards all persons in court proceedings.

communicate appropriately and effectively orally and in writing with City Council, the City Manager, other City staff, and the public.

understand and abide by the ethical standards expected of a local government official and a member of the judiciary.

Skill in:

reading, understanding, interpreting, and applying municipal and state criminal and traffic laws and state laws.

operating general office equipment and a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software.

preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.

demonstrating effective conflict resolution and interpersonal communication skills.