Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDeputy Prosecuting Attorney III - CriminalPosition: Department: Union: FLSA: Annual Hours Worked Exempt Salary Grade: Employee Status: Adapted: Approved By: JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY III - CRIMINAL Prosecuting Attorney Exempt Exempt Professional 2080 MGR22 AT WILL per RCW 36.27.040 August 1, 2021 Human Resources Manager 1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III position is a team leader for a criminal or department caseload and is responsible for accomplishing those legal assignments delegated by the Prosecuting Attorney including legal opinions, analysis of legal principles, prosecution of the criminally accused on behalf of the State of Washington, appeals and pursuing civil or administrative remedies or defenses in the interest of the citizens of Jefferson County while maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct. 2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED 2.1 Persons in this position are given complete discretion, within the scope of policy and regulation, as established by the Prosecuting Attorney and the County, in the performance of their duties. Policy direction is received exclusively from the Prosecuting Attorney. 2.2 This person may be designated within the Prosecuting Attorney's Office organization as the Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. 3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED 3.1 Provide leadership, legal advice, training and assistance to junior Deputy Prosecutors and support staff in the criminal department. 3.2 Responsibilities include leadership and case responsibility by directing work in all cases assigned in a timely manner and with consideration to the work duties of others. 4.0 SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include but are not limited to those listed below. Other duties may be assigned by the Prosecuting Attorney, 4.1 Direct and assist co -counsel or retained counsel, and subordinate deputy prosecutors within the office relating to criminal legal issues. 4.2 Prepares the prosecution of criminal cases to ensure the exercise of the State of Washington's lawful rights including performing extensive legal research, drafting documents, preparing arguments, attending motion and trial proceedings, interviewing law enforcement officers, witnesses and victims in order to prepare criminal complaints in District or Superior Court in order to litigate cases on behalf of the State of Washington. Jefferson County Job Description: Prosecuting Attorney - Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III Page 2 4.3 Prepares the State of Washington's case against adult and juvenile criminal defendants including performing extensive legal research, drafting documents, preparing arguments, attending motion and trial hearings and presenting the State's case against the criminally accused before judge and jury in Superior and District Court. 4.4 Provides legal advice, assists in and participates with other attorneys in the office. 4.5 Works with opposing counsel to develop negotiated settlements that are in the best interest of the citizens of the State of Washington and Jefferson County. 4.6 Defend or prosecute appeals to the State Court of Appeals, the State Supreme Court, or in Federal Court, including legal research, drafting of documents and pleadings, preparing briefs and other legal memorandum and present legal argument before a Court. 4.7 Provides information and education to citizens of Jefferson County, law enforcement and others on legal topics of interest involving criminal matters. 4.8 Provide legal education to County personnel in criminal matters. 4.9 Act as Deputy Coroner, conducting death investigations as required by statute. 4.10 Complies with confidentiality requirements of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), including RPC 1.6, RPC 3.6, and RPC 3.8. RPC 1.6 prohibits disclosure to any person outside of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) of information obtained from clients, except under limited circumstances that only the Prosecuting Attorney can approve. For purposes of this job description, "clients" are the County and its employees, and the Port Townsend Police Department and its employees. RPC 3.6 prohibits employees of the PAO from having any communication outside of the PAO about the investigation or communication of a matter being handled by the PAO, except in limited circumstances that only the Prosecuting Attorney can approve. RPC 3.8 discusses the special responsibility of prosecutors in the justice system and prohibits employees of the PAO from having any communication outside of the PAO that could have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused in a criminal case. 4.11 Performs other duties as assigned or required. 5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 5.1 Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Courts. 5.2 Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Jefferson CountywJob Description: Prosecuting Attorney - Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III Page 3 5.3 Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 6.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 6.1 Five (5) or more year's prior criminal legal experience, including trial and appellate experience. 6.2 Must be admitted to practice by the Washington State Bar for a minimum of five (5) years. Must complete a minimum of 45 hours of continuing legal education every three (3) years and maintain a valid license to practice law in the State of Washington. 6.3 Maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. 7.0 DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES 7.1 Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school or admission to the Washington State Bar via APR 6 Law Clerk program. 7.2 Ability to perform independent legal research, identify and analyze legal issues. 7.3 Knowledge of rules of evidence and court proceedings and ability to properly apply such knowledge. 7.4 Ability to effectively and convincingly argue or present legal points in the interest of the State of Washington and Jefferson County. 7.5 Ability to understand unorganized facts and to order them in an understandable, organized manner. 7.6 Ability to evaluate prospective jurors and select a jury panel. 7.7 Ability to remain calm and organized in stressful situations or when dealing with people experiencing stressful situations. 7.8 Ability to explain reasons for events or actions/non-actions to unreceptive or emotionally involved listeners and to maintain the prestige and integrity of the office. 7.9 Ability to make decisions that will affect the lives and property of individuals. 7.10 Ability to focus on the detail necessary to ensure proper notice to witnesses, public, court officials, and law enforcement personnel in a timely manner, with adequate explanation and instructions. 7.10 Ability to successfully litigate criminal cases involving classes of criminal liability. 8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT: Jefferson County Job Description: Prosecuting Attorney- Deputy prosecuting Attorney III Page 4 The physical demands listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 8.1 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. 8.2 The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 8.3 The noise level in the work environment has moderate noise, 8.4 As a deputy coroner the employee will be exposed to individuals in profound emotional distress and human remains. Attendance at autopsies may be required from time to time. 9.0 CAREER LADDER POSITION: This position is not part of the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Career Ladder. Appointments to DPA III will be made by the Prosecuting Attorney, after determinations are made regarding workload justification and funding. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.