Felony Compliance Staff Attorney

Position Overview:

This position will focus on the requirements of the Code of Criminal Procedure the Government Code the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and the Rules of Judicial Administration. The staff attorney may advise in other matters of law arising from the operation of courts and relations of courts and the court administrator and to other governmental agencies or entities. The position is an in-house general counsel position with a focus on requirements unique to the felony district courts with a special emphasis on bail decisions and processes. This position requires in-person attendance at meetings CE/CLEs in court (as requested) for specific hearings and as determined by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judges designee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to the Felony Judges and to Court Administration on legal and operational requirements of SB9 and the recent constitutional amendment (11d) on denial of bail.
• Provide assistance to the Felony Judges and to Court Administration on legal and operational requirements of other requirements unique to the felony courts.
• Provide ethical guidance and updates to the Judges of the District Courts and to the staff of the administrative offices focusing on the specific ethical requirements of statutory compliance Constitutional issues and criminal law.
• Review track and report on appellate decisions concerning the practices and procedures in the Felony Courts with a focus on cases decided by the Court of Criminal Appeals and the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeal.
• Review track and report on pending and enacted legislation as it pertains to the practice and procedure in the Felony Courts.
• Provide legal assistance to the Judges of the District Courts as they may request.
• Assist the District Courts in matters of law that arise concerning other agencies that affect the operation of the District Courts.
• Assist in responding to Rule 12 requests (the judicial equivalent of public information requests).
• Provide legal assistance to the judiciary and administration on matters of form and procedure.
• Other duties as designated by the Local Administrative District Judge or that Judges designee.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of the judiciary to assign direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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