Senior Deputy State's Attorney - Criminal

Pennington County; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency is seeking a Senior Deputy State’s Attorney in Rapid City, South Dakota. This position involves handling higher-level cases, supporting new attorneys, and managing complex criminal prosecutions. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree, be a member of the South Dakota Bar, and possess at least 3 years of prosecutorial experience. The role demands strong legal skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of prosecutorial experience or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make criminal charging decisions.
• Conduct legal research and writing, and motion preparation.

Skills

Legal research

Criminal law expertise

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Juris Doctorate Degree

Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota

Job description

Position Objective:

A Senior Deputy State’s Attorney performs the essential functions of a deputy state’s attorney with the additional expectation of handling higher-level cases, as well as assisting administration with interviewing, training, and mentoring new or less‑experienced attorneys in the criminal division. The general duties of the Senior Deputy State’s Attorney are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Senior Deputy State’s Attorney is to work collaboratively with law enforcement in enforcing the laws in the jurisdiction of Pennington County.

Essential Functions:

This position’s duties are directly related to the management and general operations of the Pennington County State’s Attorney Office.

• Review law enforcement reports.
• Make criminal charging decisions.
• Represent the State of South Dakota at all criminal court proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and writing, and motion preparation.
• Abide by all victims’ rights and assisting victims through the criminal justice system. Meet with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Prepare law enforcement officers, witnesses and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Answer telephone calls from citizens and interested parties about criminal prosecutions.
• The Senior Deputy State’s Attorney assigned to Circuit Court represents the State of South Dakota in the same manner as those assigned to Magistrate Court. In addition, these attorneys will represent the State in felony matters (crimes ranging in punishment from two years in the State Penitentiary to life imprisonment/death). These attorneys may also be called upon to assist with law enforcement investigations and search warrants, and to visit crime scenes. These attorneys are also responsible for the presentation of evidence and cases to the Pennington County Grand Jury.
• Train and mentor non‑senior attorneys.
• Manage a caseload consisting of higher‑level or more complex cases.
• Assist in office administration duties as requested.
• Assist in other departments or divisions as requested.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all County policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.
• Minimum of 3 years of prosecutorial experience or equivalent.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state and local standards.
• This position frequently remains stationary for long periods of time and needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and printer.
• Must be able to move up to 20 pounds unassisted, and move 40 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively on telephone, in‑person and in writing.

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur.
• Must walk to the Pennington County Courthouse court appearances in all weather, carrying multiple files.
• Overtime hours may be required to adequately prepare for trials and complicated hearings.
• Some travel may be required for training, meetings, mental commitment hearings and appearances as needed in other jurisdictions.