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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY II - CRIMINAL JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION Position: DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY II - CRIMINAL Department: Prosecuting Attorney FLSA: Exempt Professional Union: Exempt Annual Hours Worked: 2080 Exempt Salary Grade: MGR20 Employee Status: AT WILL per RCW 36.27.040 Adopted: December 14, 2023 Approved By: Human Resources Director 1.0 MAJOR FUNCTION AND PURPOSE The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II position directs a criminal or juvenile caseload and is responsible for accomplishing those legal assignments delegated by the Prosecuting Attorney, including legal opinions, analysis of legal principles and litigation outcome in criminal matters, prosecution of the criminally accused on behalf of the State of Washington, while maintaining the highest degree of ethical conduct. 2.0 SUPERVISION RECEIVED 2.1 Persons in this position are given 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 from the Prosecuting Attorney. 3.0 SUPERVISION EXERCISED 3.1 This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 4.0 SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include but are not limited to the following. 4.1 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. 4.2 Defends criminal convictions obtained for the State when the same are appealed to the Court of Appeals, Superior Court, and appeals from a District Court decision (other than not guilty verdicts) which are adverse to the State by researching applicable law, writing briefs and presenting the State's argument on appeal. 4.3 Works with opposing counsel to develop negotiated civil and administrative or criminal settlements that are in the best interest of the citizens of Jefferson County. Jefferson County Job Description: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II Page 2 of 4 4.4 Provides legal education to County personnel in criminal or juvenile matters. 4.5 Acts as Deputy Coroner, conducting death investigations as required by statute. 4.6 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. 4.7 Performs other duties as assigned or required by the Prosecuting Attorney. 5.0 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 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. 5.3 Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to understand unorganized facts and to order them in an understandable, organized manner. 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 Three (3) to five (5) or more year’s prior criminal or juvenile legal experience, including prior juvenile, criminal, and appellate issue experience. Jefferson County Job Description: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II Page 3 of 4 6.2 Must be admitted to practice by the Washington State Bar for a minimum of three (3) to 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 evaluate prospective jurors and select a jury panel. 7.6 Ability to remain calm and organized in stressful situations or when dealing with people experiencing stressful situations. 7.7 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. 7.8 Ability to make decisions that will affect the lives and property of individuals. 7.9 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. 8.0 WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here 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. Jefferson County Job Description: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II Page 4 of 4 8.3 The noise level in the work environment is moderate. 9.0 CAREER LADDER POSITION This position is the senior position in the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney career ladder. The entry level position is a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I. Advancement from Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II within the career ladder, requires completion of all requirements for Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II and a positive recommendation from the Prosecuting Attorney. DPA III 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.