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Role of Court Personnel
Role of the Judge
The judge is in charge of managing the courtroom, the docket, the case load, and the decisions of the court. In order to facilitate these duties, the presiding judge has the following responsibilities:
- Ensuring that all people before the court are treated fairly and equally.
- Ensuring that the orders of the court are followed.
- Presiding over all trials and hearings on other matters.
- Setting the terms and conditions of deferred dispositions and other sentences.
Role of the Clerks
The Clerks are the administrators of the Court, whose responsibilities include:
- Carrying out the orders of the Judge and the procedures and policies mandated by the State or other authority.
- Answering factual questions regarding the information they have.
The Clerks are unable to do the following:
- Change the Court's orders or make exceptions to the Court's rules for any individual.
- Give legal advice or interpret the law.
- Tell a defendant what they think the judge or the prosecutor will do in any particular case.
Role of Prosecutor
The Prosecutor is the attorney for the State. The Prosecutor is responsible for enforcing applicable state law and municipal ordinances by prosecuting all cases in which the municipal court has jurisdiction. The Prosecutor's duties entail:
- Investigating cases.
- Filing charges through the preparation of complaints.
- Discussing pending cases with defendants or their counsel.
- Presenting the State's case before the court.
The Prosecutor is not your attorney. You have the right not to speak to the Prosecutor, but if you choose to speak to the Prosecutor, be aware that any statement you make may be used against you should you choose to proceed to trial.
Role of City Marshal
The City Marshal is a peace officer with the Kerrville Police Department as defined by the Code of Criminal Procedure. The City Marshal’s duty is to the court and the service of the court. The City Marshal:
- Acts as Bailiff for the court during court proceedings.
- Executes writs, executes warrants of arrest, and serves other process issued by the court (summons, subpoenas, etc.).