Deputy District Attorney III

County of Trinity CA; Weaverville (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Trinity CA is seeking an experienced Deputy District Attorney III to perform complex criminal work, including prosecutions and legal research. The role involves planning investigations, drafting filings, and presenting cases in court alongside law enforcement partners.

Strong communication and courtroom skills are essential. Applicants should have CA Bar membership and a valid license, with at least two years in criminal law.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional criminal law experience.
• Current CA Bar membership.
• Valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Represent the DA’s Office in assigned cases in court.
• Prosecute criminal cases including misdemeanors and felonies.
• Draft criminal complaints, informations, and other legal documents.
• Conduct investigations, interviews, and review police reports.
• Prepare for and present cases at hearings, trials, and Grand Jury proceedings.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal law

Interviewing

Oral communication

Court procedure

Education

State Bar of California member

Tools

Case management software

Word processing

Legal research tools

Job description

Learn More about Trinity County Here: Trinity County You Tube page

Under general direction, to perform a variety of the more complex professional legal work and legal research; to represent the District Attorney’s Office on assigned cases; to plan and coordinate investigation for the prosecution of legal cases; and to do related work as required.

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

Performs a variety of the more complex professional legal assignments and research; performs criminal prosecutions for both misdemeanors and felonies; receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted; authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions; conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work; appears In court, preparing and presenting cases at preliminary hearings, trials, and Grand Jury proceedings; analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations, or waivers; confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges; negotiates case settlements; provides briefings and oral arguments; anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys; drafts jury instructions; presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; presents final arguments and summations; reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs; works with local law enforcement agencies on cases; plans and coordinates investigations for gathering and preparing evidence for criminal cases; may be responsible for planning, coordination, and preparation of family support legal cases.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of Criminal, Constitutional, Civil, and Administrative Law.
• California codes and statutes applicable to criminal law.
• Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Legal research methods.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Computers and software used in professional legal work.

Ability to:

• Perform professional legal and legal research work.
• Maintain administrative responsibility for an assigned area of legal services.
• Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
• Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
• Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional legal work.
• Effectively represent the District Attorney’s Office with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Two (2) years of professional work experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of a Deputy District Attorney II with Trinity County.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Current membership in the State Bar of California.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the professional Deputy District Attorney class series. Incumbents are expected to perform the more complex professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision. This class differs from Deputy District Attorney II in that Deputy District Attorney III is the advanced journey level with incumbents performing a broader range of the more complex legal and trial work. Deputy District Attorney III’s should perform the full range of legal services. This class is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney IV in that Deputy District Attorney IV’s may be assigned administrative responsibilities not normally assigned to Deputy District Attorney III’s.

REPORTS TO

District Attorney.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Incumbents may provide work direction and coordination for legal support staff.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).