Municipal Court Judge

Municipal Court Judge

JOB TITLE: Municipal Court Judge

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Municipal Court

SUPERVISOR: Municipal Court Senior Judge

SALARY: $84,250 to $126,376 Annually

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Municipal Court Judge will maintain and manage a docket of misdemeanor cases originating from citations issued by the Cheyenne Police Department and the Cheyenne Animal Control, alleging Municipal Ordinance violations.

Candidates for this position should demonstrate a passion for public service and a strong desire to help improve the safety and wellbeing of the City of Cheyenne. Candidates should also have a proven track-record of successful mediation and be able to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people in a variety of situations. This position reports to the Senior Judge and is appointed by the City Mayor.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preside over criminal proceedings, including: initial appearances, arraignments, motions hearings, evidentiary hearings, jury/bench trials, sentencing/restitution hearings, and other attendant proceedings
• Hear and rule on evidentiary and procedural motions, both in writing and from the bench in a timely fashion.
• Maintain courtroom decorum and ensure proceedings are conducted in an orderly, respectful manner.
• Ensure fairness and neutrality when interacting with all parties and counsel, including pro se individuals, balancing efficiency with due process
• Working knowledge of sentencing principles, restitution, and post-conviction matters.
• Understanding of constitutional protections, primarily including due process, right to counsel, and search and seizure principles
• Ability to apply the law impartially and consistently across a wide range of cases.
• Ability to manage sensitive matters involving pro se litigants, victims, and defendants with fairness and respect.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure and Evidence, as well as the other rules promulgated by the Wyoming Supreme Court.
• Thorough knowledge of the Cheyenne Municipal Ordinances and the Wyoming Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways.
• Familiarity with participating in, or conducting and ruling on, evidentiary hearings, motions, bench/jury trials.
• Ability to efficiently manage a high-volume docket while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong legal reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills, both oral (clear advisements, rulings) and written (concise and cogent orders).

Maintain high ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment in all judicial functions.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Required:

Must be a resident of Cheyenne. Courtroom experience.

Preferred:

Strong preference will be given to candidates who are licensed attorneys in good standing, admitted to practice in Wyoming for at least four (4) years.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 30 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Working Environment:

Indoor office, environments working closely with others; working with computer equipment and other general office equipment.

The City of Cheyenne offers the following benefits to Full Time Employees.

Health

Dental

Vision

Life

Pension