Deputy District Atty I/II/III

Job Summary

To perform professional criminal legal work and legal research; to represent the District Attorney’s Office on legal assignments; and to do related work as required.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

• Performs 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;
• Counsels 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;
• May be responsible for preparation of family support legal cases.

Knowledge and Abilities

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California;
• Ability to perform professional legal and legal research work;
• 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: Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the State Bar of California.

Special Requirements

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License;
• Current membership in the State Bar of California must be achieved within six (6) months of employment or appointment in this job class will be terminated.

Supplemental Information

• 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 and courtroom environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff.
• DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry and training level in the professional Deputy District Attorney class series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research with guidance and supervision from more experienced staff. This class differs from Deputy District Attorney II in that Deputy District Attorney II is the first experienced working level with incumbents performing a broader range of legal work under less supervision. Deputy District Attorney I incumbents will be expected to increasingly perform more complex work with less guidance.