Deadline this afternoon for Hamilton County magistrate applications

Lawyers wishing to fill one of two Hamilton County judicial commissioner positions must file applications by 4 p.m. today at the County Commission office.

One-year posts currently held by Larry Ables and Jeff Davis are up for appointment.

Judicial commissioners, generally called magistrates, sign warrants for searches and felony arrests, appoint attorneys for indigent defendants, set bonds in criminal cases and perform other judicial duties for Hamilton County courts.

To become a magistrate, applicants must be licensed attorneys, and be willing to work all hours of the day for up to 40 hours a week. The pay is $61,143 with benefits.

County Commissioner Marty Haynes, who is chairman of the commission's Judicial and Security Committee, said last week he hoped to start interviewing for the positions Oct. 8.

"Depending on how many applicants we have, we will try to finish interviews that day," Haynes said.

The appointments are to be made during the Oct. 16 commission meeting, he said. The new terms will run until Oct. 31, 2014.

Commissioners also will name a chief magistrate, a title currently held by Randy Russell. The chief magistrate earns $64,363.

On Friday, Chris Hixon, the County Commission's legislative administrator, said she had received 17 applications.

Ables said Friday he reapplied.

Contact staff writer Louie Brogdon at 423-757-6481 or at lbrogdon@timesfreepress.com.

Upcoming Events