ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY

County of Culpeper; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Culpeper seeks a licensed attorney to prosecute criminal cases for the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney. The role involves handling misdemeanor and felony prosecutions in Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and Circuit Courts, with responsibilities for case screening, charges, and trial presentations.

The ideal candidate will perform legal research, prepare briefs, and collaborate with law enforcement. Juris Doctorate and Virginia bar licensing are required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and admission to the Virginia Bar.
• Experience prosecuting criminal cases in juvenile, district, or circuit courts is preferred.
• Ability to conduct legal research and prepare briefs for trial and appellate courts.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in county courts.
• Screen cases, determine charges, and present cases in court.
• Negotiate with defense attorneys and coordinate with law enforcement.
• Prepare case documents and legal briefs, and respond to inquiries from the public.
• Maintain knowledge of Virginia criminal law and court procedures.

Skills

Legal research

Trial advocacy

Prosecution experience

Communication skills

Witness examination

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Responsible for performing professional legal work for the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney. Work involves prosecuting persons suspected of violating State and local laws on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employees in this class prosecute criminal cases in all county courts.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in The Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and/or Circuit Courts
• Screens cases for prosecution; determines proper charges
• Performs legal research
• Locates witnesses
• Prepares case documents
• Presents cases in court
• Negotiates with defense attorneys
• Attends/participates in arraignments of defendants in criminal cases. Investigates terms and conditions of bond
• Works with Crime Victims Advocate
• Prepares legal briefs/petitions to the Appellate Court. Keeps abreast of appellate court opinions and understands their application to similar cases
• Responds to customer requests and inquiries
• Maintains current knowledge of trends, legal issues and rulings, court opinions, legal procedures, new state, and local laws, etc.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs varied clerical tasks in support of assigned duties and responsibilities, i.e., filing, copying, etc.
• Performs related duties as required

Education and Experience

Education and experience equivalent to a Juris Doctorate degree. Licensed to practice law in the State of Virginia.

Special Qualifications

Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia criminal and traffic laws, Virginia criminal procedures, Virginia and Federal constitutional issues, as well as local rules of court and trial practice
• Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research, and to prepare legal briefs to trial and appellate courts
• Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, lay witnesses, and victim witnesses
• Ability to prepare and present complex cases before a trial court in a short period of time. Comprehensive working knowledge of efficient office procedures, and the ability to establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public
• Ability to present ideas and provide counsel effectively in writing and orally to professionals and lay persons. Ability to manage a large caseload
• Knowledge of computerized word processing, email communications and electronic cases

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Requires ability to perform coordinated movements, perceive and discriminate sounds, visual perception, and oral communication.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Essential functions are regularly performed in a Work is typically performed in an office or courtroom setting. Occasional requirement to visit major crime scene. Second-line contact with witnesses and defendants, who on occasion are rude, hostile, and angry. Daily contact is made with judges, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, the general public in person, by telephone and by written communications. Considerable skill in diplomacy, tact and persuasion is necessary.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Sign-off

The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.