Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I / II

Skagit County; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Skagit County seeks a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar to prosecute traffic and criminal cases in district court, with appellate work to Superior Court as needed. DPA I/II salary shown; requires two years of practice; involves trial preparation, strategy, and coordination with law enforcement.

Responsibilities include reviewing charges, presenting evidence, handling appeals, and possibly supervising interns.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• To qualify for the DPA II classification, you must have a minimum of two years of practice as an attorney with criminal trial experience or its equivalent. District court and/or felony trial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and screens traffic and misdemeanor criminal complaints filed by police officers or by the public; reviews and evaluates evidence and presents same in trial; confers with court and defense counsel regarding amendment and disposition of charges.
• Determines strategy, including organization, timing and order of evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses and related factors. Ensures Prosecuting Attorney and other concerned parties are informed of case progress and direction. At trial, selects juries if applicable, try jury/bench trials, perfects appeals.
• Works with law enforcement officers and provides legal advice in the investigation and preparation of district court cases; responsible for keeping statistics relative to all phases of justice court activity; handles the appeal of all cases to Superior Court and court of appeals on an as-needed basis.
• Additional duties for a DPA II position include prosecuting, with supervision, primarily felony cases of a routine nature in Superior Court and also prosecuting misdemeanor cases in district court; and all types of juvenile court cases; presents evidence, confers with judge or defense attorney regarding modification, withdrawal, or change of certain charges.
• Assists in Superior Court jury trials of a high priority nature; prepares trial memorandums, checks points of law, drafts jury instructions.
• Attend/coordinate continuing legal education including but not limited to WAPA seminars.

Skills

Criminal trial experience

Legal research

Evidence presentation

Oral/written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

ABA-accredited law degree, licensed WA attorney

Job description

Prepares and tries, with supervision, primarily traffic and criminal cases in district court and handles their appeal to the Superior Court if necessary. May on occasion assist in trying felony cases in Superior Court. May prosecute offenders in juvenile district and/or Superior Court.

This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in a position.

- Salary upon hire is:

- DPA I: $43.02 to $46.08 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications.

- DPA II: $49.38 to $52.90 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications.

- Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10. Top Step is:

- DPA I: $57.21/hr.

- DPA II: $65.67/hr.

Reviews and screens with minimal supervision all traffic and misdemeanor criminal complaints filed by police officers or by the public; reviews and evaluates evidence and presents same in trial; confers with court and defense counsel regarding amendment and disposition of charges.

Determines strategy, including organization, timing and order of evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses and related factors. Ensures Prosecuting Attorney and other concerned parties are informed of case progress and direction. At trial, selects juries if applicable, try jury/bench trials, perfects appeals.

Works with law enforcement officers and provides legal advice in the investigation and preparation of district court cases; responsible for keeping statistics relative to all phases of justice court activity; handles the appeal of all cases to Superior Court and court of appeals on an as-needed basis.

Additional duties for a DPA II position include prosecuting, with supervision, primarily felony cases of a routine nature in Superior Court and also prosecuting misdemeanor cases in district court; and all types of juvenile court cases; presents evidence, confers with judge or defense attorney regarding modification, withdrawal, or change of certain charges.

Assists in Superior Court jury trials of a high priority nature; prepares trial memorandums, checks points of law, drafts jury instructions.

Attend/coordinate continuing legal education including but not limited to WAPA seminars.

Supervisory:

DPA I position has no direct supervisory responsibilities;

DPA II position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may lead other attorneys or legal support staff.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

To qualify for the DPA II classification, you must have a minimum of two years of practice as an attorney with criminal trial experience or its equivalent. District court and/or felony trial experience preferred.

Valid Washington State driver's license.

Requires knowledge of:

• Traffic, juvenile and criminal laws of the State of Washington; rules and procedures of justice and superior courts; basic techniques of preparation of traffic and criminal cases.
• County and local government ordinances, policies and all other applicable regulations and how they interrelate to the authority and legal functions of County government.

Requires the ability to:

• Present evidence in criminal motions and trials, analyze and apply legal principles; perform basic legal research and apply to facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems; present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; work harmoniously with law enforcement and court personnel and maintain good public relations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Direct the work of legal interns and support staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, officials, employees of other departments, and the general public.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Must be a member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

A valid Washington State Driver's License may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. Ability to lift and carry boxes up to 40 pounds.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office or courtroom environment. A physical hazard may occur from hostile general public with threats either verbal, physical or with weapons and exposure to germs from dealing with the public and document handling.

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.