Deputy District Attorney III

Starting salary up to $102.11/hour ($213,115 annually) and a competitive total compensation package.

About the role

As a Deputy District Attorney III (DDA III), you will prosecute all misdemeanor cases and a wide variety of felony cases, including conducting preliminary hearings for both misdemeanor and felony jury trials. The DDA III reviews misdemeanor and felony matters for filing, prosecutes misdemeanor and felony cases in court, and handles all manner of courtroom calendars including arraignments, bail hearings, law and motion, and felony sentencing. This position manages a heavy caseload which may consist of misdemeanors, felonies, or a combination. The DDA III exercises sound independent judgement in managing, resolving, and trying cases.

This position does not supervise other prosecutors or staff members but may provide guidance or advice to less experienced prosecutors as needed. It reports directly to a Chief Deputy but may also receive guidance from the Assistant District Attorney or the District Attorney. The role operates as part of a prosecution team and requires collaboration with fellow prosecutors.

About the office

Under the leadership of District Attorney Carla Rodriguez, the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office is the largest legal office in the county, with a staff of 138 employees, including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and clerical support. The office’s mission is to pursue justice for the people of Sonoma County through innovative prosecution, strategic legislative advocacy, and strong community partnerships. It handles a wide variety of serious and complex criminal cases, as well as civil consumer protection and environmental crimes.

The office’s core values are:

• Integrity – Upholding the highest ethical standards and doing what’s right, even when difficult.
• Courage – Fearlessly pursuing justice, advocating for victims, and holding offenders accountable.
• Results Focused – Pursuing creative, evidence-based solutions that enhance public safety and deliver meaningful justice.
• Professionalism – Conducting work with competency, respect, and accountability while maintaining high standards of legal practice.
• Victim Centered – Treating every victim with dignity, respect, and compassion while ensuring their voice is heard.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute misdemeanor and felony cases, including conducting preliminary hearings and jury trials.
• Review misdemeanor and felony matters for filing.
• Manage courtroom calendars, including arraignments, bail hearings, law and motion, and felony sentencing.
• Handle a heavy caseload of misdemeanors, felonies, or a combination of both.
• Exercise independent judgement in managing, resolving, and trying cases.
• Collaborate with and assist fellow prosecutors as part of a prosecution team.
• Provide guidance or advice to less experienced prosecutors as needed.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate degree and active membership in the California State Bar by date of hire.
• Two or more years of experience as a licensed attorney with significant trial experience, including prior felony jury trial experience.
• Demonstrated experience with filing misdemeanor and felony cases, calendar management, preliminary hearings, and trials.
• Significant knowledge of California criminal law and procedure, including recently enacted statutes and case law.
• Strong communication skills for professional interactions with co-workers, law enforcement, defense attorneys, judges, court staff, and the public.
• Commitment to equal justice and access to the criminal justice system for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, sexual identity, ethnic origin, or nationality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with short timelines.
• Prior attendance at California District Attorneys Association or National District Attorneys Association seminars in Trial Practice, Felony Sentencing, or related areas is highly desired.

Qualifications

Experience: Two years of legal experience practicing criminal law as a licensed attorney, including one year of experience comparable to the level of Deputy District Attorney II in Sonoma County. Alternatively, two years of legal experience as a licensed attorney with related experience in specialty assignments such as Environmental and Consumer Law or Juvenile Law, or equivalent experience with another prosecuting agency.

Professional License: Current active membership in the State Bar of California.

Special Qualifications: A statement from the District Attorney indicating successful completion of a felony training assignment will qualify incumbents to prosecute felony cases.

License: Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required depending on assignment.

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and authorities of the Office of the District Attorney.
• Understanding of criminal law principles, trial procedure, and rules of evidence.
• Proficiency in legal research methods and judicial procedure.
• Familiarity with statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including language mechanics, syntax, and English composition.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Ability to prepare and present statements of law, fact, and argument clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, departmental representatives, county officials, courts, law enforcement, and the public.
• Ability to understand and accept differences in human behavior and cultural or ethnic backgrounds.

Benefits

• Hybrid Telework: Flexible schedule options depending on assignment.
• Salary Advancement: Salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months full-time) for good performance; annual increases until reaching the top of the salary range.
• Career Advancement: Opportunity for advancement to Deputy District Attorney IV ($196,502 - $238,850 annually) with time and good performance.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 additional floating holiday hours per year.
• Health Benefits: 100% county-paid premium contributions for most employee-only and employee + family health plan options.
• Staff Development/Wellness: Annual benefit allowances of up to $1,250 and ongoing education/training opportunities.
• Professional Development: $452 annual benefit for professional development.
• Retirement: A pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Post-Retirement Health: County contributions to help fund post-retirement health insurance/benefits.
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment.
• Additional Benefits: Excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, and more.
• Student Loan Debt Relief: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

Pay

Starting salary up to $102.11/hour ($213,115 annually). Salary is negotiable within the established range.