Municipal Judge

The Municipal Judge performs professional and administrative judicial work in the adjudication of criminal misdemeanor cases and violations of City ordinances and codes. The duties and
responsibilities shall include but are not limited to those functions subject to a Municipal Judge’s authority pursuant to City ordinances, Alabama law, and the Rules of Judicial Administration.

The position of Municipal Judge is appointed by the City Commission for four (4) year term(s), [pursuant to Sec. 12-14-30, Code of Alabama, 1975], works in conjunction with the City Manager,
and serves as the Department Head of the Judicial Department. The Municipal Judge shall not engage in the private practice of law and shall fully comply with the principles, rules, and standards
of judicial ethics.

Duties:

  • Conducts trials, hearings, and arraignments of all cases of those accused individuals before the court to answer charges made against them by complaint;
  • Presides over proceedings and maintains order of proceedings before the court;
  • Rules on the admissibility of evidence; and applies local, state and federal law in decision-making and case determination; communicates rulings to all parties involved in the case.
  • Conducts sentencing hearings; explains verdicts, procedures, and sentences; calculates fines, fees, and restitution; selects payment due dates; selects confinement dates and determines whether to permit work release, court referrals, and explains probationary terms and conditions.
  • Prepares court orders for individual cases to document decisions and recommendations;
  • Reviews for accuracy and legality; and enters documents into court records.
  • Coordinates and manages the court dockets; communicates with court personnel, attorneys and prosecutors regarding information contained in dockets;
  • Approves settlement agreements and deferred prosecution agreements submitted between prosecutors and defendants.
  • Communicates effectively with the Municipal Court Administrator in supervising the Judicial Department.
  • Communicates effectively with law enforcement officers, attorneys, citizens, and other individuals and organizations as necessary to receive information regarding problems and/or concerns;
  • Provides recommendations for improvements and/or changes; creates a respectful and customer service-oriented atmosphere in the Municipal Court.

Requirements:

  • Juris Doctorate degree from a college or university accredited through an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is required;
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama and in good standing with the Alabama State Bar.
  • Must be a qualified elector of the State of Alabama.
  • 10 years of experience practicing criminal and civil law in the State of Alabama required, with 3 years of legal experience in a municipality preferred.

Compensation:

The Municipal Judge salary range is $123,947.20 -$198,307.20 and will include a benefit package to include health, dental, voluntary insurance, and retirement benefits.

City of Dothan, Alabama
Municipal Judge Recruitment
Deadline to apply: November 30, 2026

Send Resume and Cover Letter to:
Delvick J. McKay, Personnel Director
djmckay@dothan.org or

City of Dothan
P.O. Box 2128
Dothan, AL 36302