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Associate Judge

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Associate Judge

Salary

$110.00 Hourly

Location

City of Thornton; Justice Center, CO

Job Type

Temporary Part-Time

Job Number

25328

Department

Management Services

Division

Courts

Opening Date

12/10/2025

Closing Date

12/31/2025 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Non-Exempt

WORK HOURS

HOURS VARY

PROBATION

NONE, NOT CAREER SERVICE

STATUS 2

FLSA NON-EXEMPT

BENEFITS

NO BENEFITS

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

ABOUT THE POSITION

You would join a team of associate judges who are called upon when coverage is needed due to the Presiding Judge being unavailable or the size of the docket requires the operation of two courtrooms and the Associate Judge handles the docket in the secondary courtroom. The Associate Judge presides over all stages of a case from arraignment, motions, to trial to the court or jury trial. Each Associate Judge receives a handbook of the policies, procedures, and sentencing guidelines. The Associate Judge is also trained by the Presiding Judge to ensure there are not disparities among the judges.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The court consists of an executive administrator, two managers, and 10 court specialists. The court specialists are very proficient in their areas of criminal justice and are available to assist the Associate Judge as needed. The team is very collegial, passionate, and supportive of one another. A healthy culture and work environment are paramount.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate can learn how to manage cases and dockets relatively quickly, is compassionate and respectful to all defendants and victims, is thoughtful about putting the imprint of justice on every case to the best of their ability, is without ego, and earns the respect of others.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide judicial coverage when the Presiding Judge is on vacation or otherwise unavailable, or when the docket size requires an additional judge to hear the cases. Provide judicial functions for the Municipal Court, a home rule court of record, through adjudication of traffic, criminal, parking and other municipal code violations. Conduct hearings on motions, trials to the court, jury trials and other requisite judicial duties when the Presiding Judge is unavailable or in instances of judicial disqualification. Provide coverage on a temporary and as needed basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Provides judicial services consistent with the United States and Colorado Constitutions, Colorado State law, the Charter and ordinances of the City of Thornton and the Colorado Code of Judicial Conduct.

Adjudicates criminal, traffic and non-traffic municipal ordinance violations for both adults and juveniles. Conducts hearings required to adjudicate cases including but not limited to arraignments, motions, pre-trial hearings and trials. Addresses cases and applies laws.

Reviews arrest affidavits and determines probable cause; issues search warrants for municipal matters when appropriate.

Works effectively with judicial colleagues and court staff, and other City departments as necessary.

Administers equitable, fair, and impartial justice in a timely and courteous manner.

Protects fundamental rights and promotes public safety.

Conducts arraignments, hearings, and trials in an efficient and appropriate manner. Advises defendants of their rights, administers oaths and affirmations, rules on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony, examines evidence and interprets applicable law, and enforces orders, rules, and judgments in compliance with applicable law.

Reviews files for Municipal Court defendants who have recently been placed in custody at the Adams County Jail and other facilities. Sets bond types and amounts and/or holds video advisements in an efficient and appropriate manner.

Imposes fines per the approved fine schedule and sentences upon finding of guilt or responsibility according to City Code, and state and federal law. Enforces penalties fairly and consistently, according to City Code and Charter as well as state law.

Protects and preserves the record to ensure that the City and defendants have a record on which to appeal, if necessary.

Participates in procedures to respond quickly and appropriately to failures to appear, pay, and/or comply with sentencing conditions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Registered Electors of the State of Colorado and at least twenty-five (25) years of age.

Five years of criminal litigation and/or judicial experience; Demonstrable knowledge of, and the ability to apply the Colorado Rules of Evidence, the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Colorado Rules of Municipal procedure, and the general ordinance, statutory and case law in Colorado preferred. Municipal experience preferred.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Licensed (in good standing) to practice law by the Supreme Court of the State of Colorado (must remain in good standing).

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, vision, mission and core values of the City of Thornton and Court.

Knowledge of the City of Thornton Municipal Code and Thornton City Charter applicable to municipal court.

Knowledge of state and local laws pertaining to municipal court.

Knowledge of open records and confidentiality requirements regarding municipal court records and documents.

Knowledge of judicial procedure and Colorado rules of evidence and of the principles and procedures of municipal law, criminal and civil law and procedure as applied to municipal court, and constitutional law.

Knowledge of the basic infrastructure of the criminal justice system.

Knowledge of routine court procedures and terminology.

Knowledge of case flow management principles.

Skill in problem solving skills that lead to sound judgement and quality decisions.

Skill in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; able to exhibit professional presence in various settings, tailor communication and appropriate style to diverse audiences, and present complex information in a clear, diplomatic, and understandable manner.

Skill in cultural competence with the ability to interact, work, and develop meaningful interactions with people of various cultural backgrounds.

Skill in rendering decisive, well-founded factual findings, legal opinions, and sentencing without regard to popularity of decision.

Skill in judicial temperament with respect to attentiveness, patience, impartiality, promptness, and courtesy.

Skill in displaying high character and integrity.

Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, data base management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Court Administrator, and other City staff and judicial colleagues.

Ability to balance confidence and humility.

Ability to exercise sound judgements and exhibit patience when dealing with stressful situations.

Ability to apply ordinances and statutes appropriately.

Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.

Ability to deal respectfully and tactfully with the public.

Ability to understand and follow established guidelines and procedures of the Court.

Ability to calculate fines and penalties.

Ability to maintain court files, reports, summonses, statements, and disposition information in case files.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand, twist, talk, hear, see and demonstrate manual dexterity. The employee is also required to perform light to medium lifting.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email [email protected] to receive a copy of our 2025 Benefits Guide.

Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

+ Health Insurance

+ Dental Insurance

+ Vision Insurance

+ Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options

+ Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy

+ Flexible Spending Plan

+ Retiree Health Savings Plan

+ Pension Plan & Deferred Compensation Plans

+ Short & Long-term Disability Plans

+ Paid Holidays

+ Vacation & Sick Leave

+ Multilingual Incentive Pay

+ Recreation Pass

+ Wellness Program - Learn more here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ecAZ5bF8G3UKkXFWVXFFrqVAbC4DQyjc/view?usp=sharing)

+ In-House Training Opportunities

+ Tuition Reimbursement

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Flexible Schedules

+ Hybrid Schedules