Assistant State's Attorney- Grand Jury

Prince George's County, Maryland; Upper Marlboro (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grand Jury Unit of the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office reviews felony investigations and determines appropriate charges to present to the Grand Jury. ASAs in this unit analyze complex investigations, apply Maryland law, and advise law enforcement during the investigative process to ensure legally sound charging decisions.

Unit members regularly appear in court for bond and preliminary hearings and provide guidance on probable cause, charging standards, search and seizure

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of Maryland criminal law, procedures, and constitutional law.
• Strong research, analytical writing, and case analysis skills.
• Ability to interpret forensic and digital evidence and witness statements.
• Excellent communication with law enforcement, judges, and colleagues.
• Independent judgment to advise and prosecute pre-indictment matters.

Responsibilities

• Review felony investigations submitted by agencies.
• Evaluate police reports, warrants, forensic and digital evidence.
• Consult with investigators to review findings and identify further needs.
• Apply Maryland statutes and case law to determine charging decisions.
• Prepare charging documents and present cases to the Grand Jury.
• Advise investigators on probable cause, search issues, and evidentiary requirements.
• Appear in District and Circuit Court for bond and preliminary hearings.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Analytical reasoning

Communication

Judicial process knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Maryland Bar admission

Job description

Unit Overview

The Grand Jury Unit plays a critical role within the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office by reviewing felony investigations and determining the appropriate charges to present to the Grand Jury. ASAs assigned to this unit evaluate complex criminal investigations, analyze applicable law and evidence, advise law enforcement agencies during the investigative process, and make legally sound charging decisions that uphold the interests of justice.

The Grand Jury Unit is typically staffed by experienced ASAs with strong litigation experience, sound legal judgment, and the ability to independently evaluate criminal investigations. ASAs assigned to the unit serve as legal advisors during the pre-indictment phase of prosecution and ensure that charging decisions comply with Maryland law, constitutional requirements, and Office policies. In addition to reviewing cases for indictment, Grand Jury ASAs regularly appear in court to handle bond and preliminary hearings, as well as other proceedings as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities

ASAs assigned to the Grand Jury Unit are responsible for:

• Reviewing felony investigations submitted by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Evaluating police reports, witness statements, search warrants, forensic reports, digital evidence, body-worn camera footage, and other investigative materials.
• Meeting with law enforcement officers and investigators to review evidence, discuss investigative findings, and identify additional investigative needs.
• Researching and applying Maryland criminal statutes, constitutional law, and relevant case law to determine appropriate criminal charges.
• Making independent charging decisions based upon legal sufficiency, evidentiary standards, and prosecutorial discretion.
• Preparing charging documents, indictments, criminal information, and related legal pleadings.
• Presenting cases before the Grand Jury.
• Advising investigators regarding probable cause, charging standards, search and seizure issues, and evidentiary requirements.
• Reviewing search warrants, arrest warrants, and related investigative documents for legal sufficiency.
• Ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements, including Fourth Amendment protections and applicable discovery obligations.
• Working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies throughout ongoing investigations.
• Maintaining accurate case documentation and updating case management systems.
• Appearing in District and Circuit Court, as assigned, to handle bond hearings, preliminary hearings, and other related proceedings.
• Providing legal guidance regarding complex charging issues and investigative procedures.
• Performing other prosecutorial duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

ASAs assigned to the Grand Jury Unit should possess the ability to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, constitutional law, and criminal charging procedures.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of Fourth Amendment law, including search and seizure principles, probable cause standards, warrant requirements, and constitutional protections.
• Analyze complex criminal investigations involving multiple defendants, extensive evidence, and evolving legal issues.
• Evaluate legal sufficiency and evidentiary strength to make independent charging recommendations.
• Conduct advanced legal research and prepare clear, concise, and persuasive legal memoranda and charging documents.
• Interpret forensic reports, digital evidence, investigative findings, and witness statements.
• Exercise sound prosecutorial discretion, critical thinking, and independent judgment when reviewing felony investigations.
• Effectively communicate with law enforcement officers, investigators, victims, witnesses, attorneys, judges, and court personnel.
• Provide legal guidance to investigative agencies throughout the pre-indictment process.
• Present cases confidently before the Grand Jury and effectively articulate legal theories supporting criminal charges.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive investigative information and sealed proceedings.
• Manage multiple complex investigations while meeting statutory deadlines and Office expectations.
• Adapt to evolving legislation, appellate decisions, constitutional developments, and prosecutorial best practices.
• Demonstrate exceptional organization, professionalism, integrity, analytical ability, and sound decision-making in a fast-paced legal environment.

Minimum Qualifications

(Each progressive SAO Classification has substantially more stringent minimum qualifications)

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Maryland Bar and in good standing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal litigation experience, with felony prosecution experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, and constitutional law, including Fourth Amendment search and seizure principles.
• Experience evaluating criminal investigations, reviewing investigative reports and evidence, and making legally sound charging recommendations.
• Strong legal research, analytical reasoning, and legal writing skills.
• Ability to independently exercise prosecutorial discretion and make complex charging decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively advise law enforcement agencies and present cases before the Grand Jury and the courts.

Salary Range

Individual salaries are set based on budget and experience within the minimums and maximums defined above. ASAs are also eligible for all County benefits including enrollment in healthcare, life insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, optional 457 deferred compensation plan, and other elective benefits.

SAO 2 $88,100.00 to $139,725.00

SAO 3 $96,500.00 to $153,000.00

SAO 4 $104,670.00 to $166,347.00

Prince George’s County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace