FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024

Morgantown City Council Seeks New Municipal Court Judge

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council is actively seeking qualified candidates for the position of Municipal Court Judge. After serving the citizens of Morgantown for more than 25 years, Municipal Judge Stephen G. Higgins has announced his decision to step down from his position, effective Dec. 31, 2024.

“It has been an honor to serve this city and its citizens,” said Higgins in a letter provided to city leadership. “I have always endeavored to be fair in all cases to all that came before me, and I am proud of the work that my staff and I accomplished for the city in my time as judge.”

The Municipal Court Judge presides over cases brought to the city’s municipal court, which has jurisdiction over traffic offenses, misdemeanors (including first offense DUI), and citations from the Morgantown Police Department, Morgantown Parking Authority, building code officials and fire marshal officials. 

"Judge Higgins has always demonstrated professionalism on the bench,” said Municipal Court Clerk Kat Friend. “He has always been fair in his rulings and treated every individual that has come before him with the utmost respect in all layers of society.  The city is losing a valuable asset, and his presence will surely be missed."

This position will also address criminal violations of city code, with penalties limited to a maximum of 30 days imprisonment or a fine of up to $500.

The court operates under Article 181 of Morgantown’s city code, with sessions held on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons, one Wednesday morning each month, and twice-monthly evening court sessions intended for citations issued by officers working the evening or night shift. Each court session typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours. However, court sessions occasionally last more than two hours per session.
 
While a West Virginia-licensed attorney is preferred, City Council welcomes applications from individuals who can fulfill the position requirements outlined in W. Va. Code § 8-10-2.

Municipal Court Judge position details include:

- Minimum Qualifications: West Virginia licensed attorney or completion of municipal judge training after selection
- Start Date: January 1, 2025, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled
- Compensation: Hourly rate to be determined based on experience

Interested candidates should apply online. Click HERE to access the City of Morgantown’s job application portal.

For additional information about the Municipal Court and its jurisdiction, please reference Morgantown City Code by clicking HERE. 

The City of Morgantown is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals should apply.

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