Deputy District Attorney III

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 133,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement reciprocity

Vacation accrual credit

Disaster Service Worker status

Job summary

The County of Santa Barbara's District Attorney's Office is accepting applications for Deputy District Attorney III in Santa Maria. This is a flexibly staffed series; assignments may change within the County to meet operational needs.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to public service, excellent written and oral advocacy, and solid criminal-law experience. Active California Bar membership is required; JD preferred.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the State Bar of California is required.
• Two years as an attorney in public law or four years as a general practicing attorney are required.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, analyzes, and makes charging decisions on criminal investigations submitted by law enforcement agencies; evaluates evidence, statements, and applicable law.
• Represents the People of California in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, and trials.
• Prepares and litigates legal motions and court filings, including complaints, warrants, discovery matters, evidentiary motions, and sentencing memoranda.
• Interviews and advises victims and witnesses; communicates case developments and outcomes professionally.

Skills

Public service mindset

Oral advocacy

Legal research

Trial experience

Collaboration

Education

Active State Bar of California

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Case management systems

Legal research tools

Evidence management

Job description

DDA III Salary: $133,105.44 - $160,761.12 Annually

Notice of change: Updates have been to the job assignment and examples of duties.

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is currently accepting applications for Deputy District Attorney III vacancies in Santa Maria. The current vacancy is in Santa Maria; however, this recruitment will also establish an employment list that may be used to fill future Deputy District Attorney III vacancies throughout the County, including Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. Applicants should select all locations where they are willing to accept employment. Work locations and assignments are determined by the District Attorney and may change based on the operational needs of the Office.

Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Deputy District Attorney III is an experienced prosecutor who independently handles a broad range of criminal matters. The Deputy District Attorney III is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney IV in that the latter handles more difficult and complex cases and assignments and is expected to exercise a higher level of independent judgment and responsibility.

About the District Attorney’s Office

The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is to pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, supporting victims, and promoting public safety.

The District Attorney has offices in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. Our Office takes a collaborative, team-based approach to prosecution, with Deputy District Attorneys working closely with investigators, Victim-Witness staff, law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and community partners throughout all stages of a case.

The Office is committed to developing skilled, ethical prosecutors through meaningful courtroom experience, mentorship, ongoing training, and opportunities to work in a broad range of assignments.

Why Join the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office?

• Immediate courtroom experience and meaningful trial opportunities
• Hands‑on mentorship from experienced prosecutors
• Assignments ranging from misdemeanors and general felonies to complex felony matters
• Opportunities for specialized assignments, including Serious and Violent Crime, Homicide, Vulnerable Victims, Human Trafficking, White Collar Crime, Gangs, and Juvenile Justice
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Competitive salary, CalPERS retirement, and excellent County benefits
• Offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc, offering an exceptional quality of life on California’s Central Coast

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office values ethical prosecution, sound judgment, professional development, innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to public service.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A strong commitment to public service and the ethical pursuit of justice
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• Excellent judgment and decision‑making abilities
• Meaningful criminal law, litigation, and courtroom experience
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, defense counsel, the courts, and members of the public
• Strong organizational and case‑management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• The ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, staff, law enforcement agencies, and community partners
• A commitment to continued professional development, mentorship, and teamwork

1. Reviews, analyzes, and makes charging decisions on criminal investigations submitted by law enforcement agencies; evaluates evidence, legal issues, victim and witness statements, and applicable law.
2. Represents the People of the State of California in all phases of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, preliminary hearings, jury trials, sentencing hearings, and post‑conviction matters.
3. Prepares and litigates legal motions and court filings, including complaints, warrants, discovery matters, evidentiary motions, motions in limine, sentencing memoranda, and other legal pleadings.
4. Works closely with law enforcement agencies, investigators, Victim‑Witness staff, forensic experts, and community partners to investigate cases, develop prosecution strategies, and seek fair and just outcomes.
5. Interviews and advises victims and witnesses; prepares witnesses for court proceedings; and communicates case developments and outcomes professionally, compassionately, and in a trauma‑informed manner.
6. Conducts legal research and analyzes statutes, case law, policies, and emerging legal issues to support prosecution decisions and courtroom advocacy.
7. Utilizes case‑management systems, digital evidence platforms, legal research tools, and other technology to efficiently manage caseloads and prepare cases for court.
8. Participates in specialized assignments, community outreach efforts, and multidisciplinary teams as assigned.
9. Provides training and guidance to law enforcement personnel, interns, externs, post‑bar law clerks, and newer attorneys; participates in continuing legal education and professional development opportunities.
10. .Knowledge and Abilities
11. Candidates should possess knowledge of criminal law and procedure, constitutional law, trial practice, rules of evidence, legal research, and the functions of county government.
12. Candidates must have the ability to analyze and apply legal principles to difficult factual and legal issues; communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and orally; effectively prepare and conduct hearings and trials; exercise sound prosecutorial judgment; perform legal research; manage a demanding caseload; and work effectively with others.

Active membership in the State Bar of California AND

1. Two years experience as an attorney in the practice of public law or four years as a general practicing attorney;

OR

2. One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Deputy District Attorney II with Santa Barbara County;

OR

3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge, abilities and license.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s must possess strong moral standards and adhere to ethical standards of the California Bar. Specifically, be disciplinary-free from Rules 3.8 and 5-110 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor.

Knowledge of: the organization, powers, and limitations of county governmental functions, civil and criminal codes, and the California Constitution; trial procedures and the rules of evidence; administrative law.

Ability to: appraise, interpret, and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems; present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form; prepare, present and conduct trials effectively; perform legal research; work effectively with others.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post‑offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a probationary period of one year.

BENEFITS

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits.

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker

Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit‑based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long‑standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.