Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV

About the role

The position involves representing the State in all phases of criminal matters, from charging to appeals. It also includes managing individual caseloads, presenting cases in court, and coordinating case activities with law enforcement personnel.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for prosecution by performing duties such as providing discovery, visiting crime scenes, examining cases, and determining best case strategies.
• Researches and writes pleadings, briefs, motions, petitions, etc.
• Interviews witnesses and evaluates their credibility and ability to testify.
• Presents and argues cases in court on behalf of the People of the State of California.
• Responds to and resolves inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures the Constitutional rights of defendants and victims are protected.
• Attends professional conferences, training, seminars, workshops, etc., and reads professional journals to maintain job knowledge and skills.

Requirements

• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and county laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the California Penal, Health and Safety, and Vehicle Codes.
• Basic principles and practices of criminal law, search and seizure, statutory and constitutional discovery obligations.
• Rules of professional responsibility and ethical standards applicable to prosecutors.
• Methods and techniques of legal research and writing.
• Trial advocacy methods.
• Rules of evidence and their application.
• Methods of preparing legal and administrative documents, records, and reports.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Tactics for providing a high level of customer service to effectively deal with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, the public at large, and County staff.
• California appellate procedure and law.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Two (2) years of professional legal experience at a level equivalent to Deputy District Attorney I in Calaveras County.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years of experience at a level equivalent to the Deputy District Attorney II with Calaveras County.
• Six (6) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years of experience at a level equivalent to the Deputy District Attorney III with Calaveras County.

Skills

• Analyze and apply basic legal practices, principles, and methods.
• Evaluate investigative reports to determine appropriate charges, strategies for prosecution or settlement, and follow-up required.
• Present statements of law, fact, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Maintain records and prepare required reports.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Prosecute misdemeanor cases, including but not limited to driving under the influence, battery, domestic violence, drug possession, and petty thefts.
• Prosecute juvenile delinquency cases.
• Draft and represent the People in misdemeanor and infraction appeals at the Superior Court level.

Benefits

Calaveras County offers various benefits including health/dental/vision insurance, the Assist-To-Own program for purchasing a home, and a uniform allowance.