About This Role
This judicial officer role involves a wide range of duties related to Virginia law, including issuing warrants, conducting bail hearings, and performing other authorized legal functions. The position is based in the Stafford Magistrates' Office but may involve assignments anywhere within Magisterial Region 6, which covers numerous counties and cities. The role suits a professional who can work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays, and operate under the supervision of a Chief Magistrate.
Responsibilities
- Issue arrest warrants and summonses for criminal offenses and other violations of Virginia law
- Issue search warrants
- Conduct bail hearings and admit persons charged with criminal offenses to bail or commit them to jail
- Issue Emergency Protective Orders
- Issue mental health and medical custody and detention orders
- Perform other acts or functions authorized by law
Requirements
- United States citizen
- Resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- Fluency in written and spoken English with strong communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with coworkers, complainants, petitioners, and witnesses, including law enforcement officers
- Strong reading comprehension skills
- Ability to research and interpret the Code of Virginia and other legal resources
- Ability to conduct judicial hearings in a neutral and impartial manner
- Ability to ascertain facts from oral testimony and written submissions and apply them to relevant legal principles
- Ability to properly account for funds
- General computer proficiency and typing skills
Nice to have:
- Relevant legal experience, training, or education
- Member of Virginia State Bar
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package
- Vacation and sick leave
- Paid state and federal holidays
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Life insurance
- Deferred compensation
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Important Details
- Application deadline: Oct 29 2026 - 01:00 EDT
- Schedule: Magistrate offices are open 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays; specific schedule may vary
- Locations: Stafford Magistrates' Office (primary), with assignments anywhere within Magisterial Region 6 (Caroline, Charles City, Essex, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, and York Counties and the Cities of Richmond, Poquoson, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg). Principal offices are in James City, New Kent, Gloucester, Charles City, Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and King George.
