What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clerk V (Felony) position at Comal County?
The Clerk V assists the felony prosecutors in all aspects of felony prosecution. The Clerk V should have excellent clerical skills and must be familiar with a variety of standard concepts, practices and procedures within the legal field with an emphasis on knowledge of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and the Texas Penal Code. The Clerk V is responsible for preparing correspondence and legal documents such as motions to revoke, motions to adjudicate, judgments, governors warrants, and federal bench warrants and must solicit and compile pertinent data to facilitate the accurate and timely preparation of such legal documents for the felony prosecutors. The Clerk V also answers the phone, routes calls the appropriate person, and makes sure that the appropriate felony prosecutor receives all incoming documents. The Clerk V pulls and prepares the files for both jury and non-jury dockets, making sure that all documents are in the appropriate files, and must collaborate effectively with other Clerk V to ensure high quality, dependable coverage at all times. A Clerk V must always maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive data or information.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following list is an illustration of the duties involved with this position. This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change at any time under the direction of the Criminal District Attorney or the Chief Investigator.
- Jury Docket:
- Check jury lists for any prior criminal history of jurors.
- Prepare posters, exhibits, etc. when necessary.
- Send thank you letters to jurors.
- Prepare judgments.
- Assist the investigators with incoming calls regarding jury trials.
- Assist the investigators with preparing, emailing and e-filing subpoenas and subpoena returns.
- Assist the investigators with calendar and case updates.
- Judgments:
- Compile pertinent data from District Clerk, Probation, Judge’s docket sheet and our files.
- Prepare appropriate judgments (TDC AND STATE JAIL JUDGMENTS TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER ALL OTHER JUDGMENTS).
- For TDC, contact appropriate source at jail records to check time credited for time served to insure accuracy.
- Provide required attachments.
- Request attorney signature.
- File in District Clerk’s Office.
- Prepare letter and forward to appropriate entities.
- Enter information concerning the case into the computerized database.
- Probation:
- Review violation notice.
- Discuss with probation any additional information needed.
- Present to Chief Felony Prosecutor to see whether he wishes to pursue revocation or adjudication.
- Locate old file or create new folder.
- Prepare motion to revoke or adjudicate.
- Get attorney’s approval signature.
- Make copies for our file, probation and defense attorney.
- File in District Clerk’s Office.
- Forward file stamped copy to probation.
- Prepare copies of materials and a discovery sheet for the defense attorney’s signature upon his/her receipt of discovery.
- Inform the absconder unit of Adult Probation of all decisions made by felony attorneys on absconder cases, which will not be pursued.
- Enter information concerning the case into the computerized database. (Note as MTR or MTA on folder)
- Dismissals:
- Prepare dismissal for cases if necessary.
- File in copy of dismissal in the District Clerk’s Office.
- Notify victims’ coordinator if required.
- File copy in file folder.
- Indicted Case Files:
- Create a file folder for the case.
- File in folder all documents, reports, motions, statements and other information obtained.
- Prepare copies of materials and a discovery sheet for the defense attorney’s signature upon his/her receipt of discovery.
- Maintain a systematic approach to organizing files and other information.
- Manage centralized filing system.
- Non Jury Docket:
- Prepare waivers of indictments and information form if necessary.
- Prepare motions to set, if necessary.
- Review writs and notify witnesses, if necessary.
- Run computer printout of preliminary cases set for non-jury docket.
- Pull cases for court.
- Prepare any necessary forms.
- Pleas:
- Prepare and supply the felony prosecutors with plea packets.
- Maintain plea form on system.
- Assist Attorney:
- Compose and type letters.
- Keep attorney up to date on any new documents or information received.
- Perform other duties as directed by the felony prosecutors.
- Records:
- Pull and prepare files to be shredded as required by records management. (NEVER SHRED VIOLENT CRIME FOLDERS)
- Maintain and update as required.
- Extraditions:
- Contact agency to see if defendant will waive.
- Prepare motions and set for court date.
- If defendant will not waive, request governors warrant.
- Prepare federal prison bench warrants.
- Follow up as appropriate.
- Governors’ Warrant:
- Prepare Cover letter of who and where to notify in other state.
- Need to send ORIGINAL plus two (2) copies of the following to Governor’s Office:
- Cover letter.
- Signed and Notarized Application.
- Certified Indictment (from District Clerk’s Office)
- Certified Judgment (from District Clerk’s Office)
- Certified Motion to Revoke (from District Clerk’s Office)
- Certified Alias Capias (warrant) (from District Clerk’s Office)
- Certified picture and fingerprint cards (from S.O. or N.B.P.D.)
- Make copy of complete package for our files.
- Follow up as appropriate.
- Federal Bench Warrant:
- Prepared on defendants that are currently located within the state in federal correctional facilities.
- Locate address and Warden’s name of the federal prison where defendant is located.
- Notify Court Administrator to set case at least six weeks from current date.
- Prepare ten-point letter.
- Prepare and get signature on Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum, Writ of Habeas Corpus Ad Prosequendum, and Order, then file with District Clerk’s Office.
- Will receive back two certified copies of above from District Clerk’s Office.
- Prepare letter to Sheriff for Transfer of Inmate.
- Make one copy of everything for our files, originals go to Sheriff to sign and return to us.
- Give pickup person a copy of all so he may take with him for pickup.
- Prepare Certified mail receipt and place in outgoing mail.
- Follow up as appropriate.
- appeals:
- Prepare calendar as appeals are received.
- Assist Chief Appellant Prosecutor assemble documents from District Clerk and any other paperwork needed.
- Make copies of appeal answer and prepare proper cover sheets for mailing.
- Prepare mailing materials and arrange for pickup with mailing agency.
14. Attendance is an essential function of the job.
Note: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is assigned by the supervisor.
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
CRIMINAL RECORD
Should have a clean criminal record and must pass a criminal background check. In particular, must not have convictions for felonies or crimes of moral turpitude.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCEA high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Must possess a thorough working knowledge of clerical procedures and practices.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Must be able to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos and able to write correspondence. Must be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must be able to follow instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job with minimal supervision. Must also have excellent organizational skills and be able to perform multiple tasks effectively by prioritizing an ever-changing workflow and performing under pressure.
Preferred QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Business school training or three (3) to five (5) years of experience in clerical operations is desirable. Other specialized job skills include typing, a notary public certificate and computer skills.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The ability to read, write, and speak Spanish preferred, but not required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is a sedentary position. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with their hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
A formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference check, and job related tests may be required.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The employee further understands, and accepts, that this position falls under the provision of an “At Will” employment, and under no circumstances is this a contract for employment.
Salary : $42,765