Assistant District Attorney Vehicular Homicide Unit

Queens District Attorney's Office; New York (NY); On-site; USD 102,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

The Queens District Attorney’s Office seeks experienced prosecutors for the Vehicular Homicide Unit in the Homicide Bureau. The unit handles cases involving deaths and serious injuries from vehicle crashes, with involvement from responders at scenes.

ADAs will handle complex investigations and prosecutions using scientific and forensic evidence. Candidates should have a J.D., NY bar, NY residency, 4+ years post-J.D.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active New York State bar in good standing.
• Resident of New York State with at least 4 years post-J.D. experience.
• Grand Jury and Felony jury trial experience required.
• Extensive experience in criminal investigation and prosecution.
• Excellent writing and strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle complex and sensitive cases from investigation through grand jury presentation.
• Manage suppression hearings and significant legal/factual issues.
• Prosecute jury and nonjury trials and examine civilian, law enforcement, and expert witnesses.
• Treat families with kindness and compassion during proceedings.

Skills

Grand Jury experience

Felony jury trial experience

Criminal investigation experience

Excellent writing skills

Interpersonal communication

Education

J.D. degree

Active New York State bar in good standing

New York State residency

Job description

The Queens District Attorney’s Office has openings for experienced prosecutors in our Vehicular Homicide Unit in our Homicide Bureau.

The unit is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of cases involving deaths and serious injuries which result from vehicle crashes. The unit’s involvement will immediately after such a crash with the response to the scene by a riding ADA. Trial ADAs assigned to this unit will be expected to respond to the scene in significant cases. These investigations and prosecutions involve scientific and forensic evidence. ADAs who are comfortable with this type of technical evidence, who can manage a complex caseload and who have the compassion and understanding to deal with people experiencing the emotional impact of the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, will be strong candidates.

Such a candidate should have a firm understanding of what constitutes negligent, reckless or depraved behavior behind the wheel of a vehicle and how specifically one differs from the other.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Handling these complex and sensitive cases from investigation through grand jury presentation. Personal response to the scenes of the most significant cases may be required. All aspects of trial preparation, including case enhancement, discovery compliance and motion practice.
• Handling significant legal and factual issues during suppression hearings.
• Prosecuting both jury and nonjury trials and examining civilian, law enforcement, and expert witnesses in the fields of forensic biology and collision reconstruction.
• Treating family members who have suffered the ultimate loss with kindness and compassion.

Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the New York State bar in good standing, be a resident of New York State and have at least 4 years post-J.D. experience. Applicants must also have:

• Grand Jury and Felony jury trial experience.
• Experience with applicable sections of the VTL and PL Art. 125; DMV procedures and paperwork.
• Extensive experience in handling all aspects of criminal investigation and prosecution.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Extensive knowledge of New York Penal and Criminal Procedure Laws.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred experience:

• Significant knowledge about the effect of intoxicants and medications.
• Experience with blood warrants and accident reconstruction.
• Experience examining and cross-examining forensic experts in various disciplines, including alcohol and drug intoxication and exams, crime scene, and medical and mental health issues.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Range is from $102,000 to $134,000

Pursuant to Public Officers Law Section 3(1), United States citizenship is required of all Assistant District Attorneys upon commencement of their employment, as is New York State residency.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans.