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NEOGOV · 1 day ago

Criminal District Court Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I-II

Ellensburg

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry, Mid, Senior Level

$87K/yr - $127K/yr

0+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys for the Kittitas County Prosecutor's Office, a small office dedicated to victim-centric prosecution. The role involves handling a felony caseload, providing legal advice to law enforcement, and ensuring that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect.

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Responsibilities

Consult on a frequent basis with all attorneys in the office by being available for questions and providing guidance or feedback for other DPAs as appropriate; attend weekly attorney meetings

Work on special projects as assigned or as deemed appropriate

Read and become familiar with current laws and maintain proficiency with any changes in the law (statutory, admin, and/or caselaw)

Provide information and expertise as requested by community groups or classes

Understand and follow all office polices

Work effectively and cooperatively with all office staff

Maintain an accurate calendar (using Outlook) with court appearances, scheduled training, and any time out of the office (sick, vacation, meetings)

Communicate clearly and frequently with Division Chief about performance expectations, goals, and work habits

Prosecute crimes within the county (felony and misdemeanor), within Superior Court (including Juvenile cases), and District Court as assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and or Division Chief

Review search warrants and other law enforcement generated investigative documents, advising on necessary changes and additions

Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested; advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases; take “on call” weeks to be available to answer law enforcement questions 24/7

Meet with and be accountable to members of the community regarding criminal prosecutions

Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, referred back to LE for further investigation, or declined

Draft legal pleadings that are detailed, accurate, and professional including Informations and/or Criminal Complaints, Jury Instructions, Trial Briefs, Motions in Limine, Probable Cause statements, etc

Identify witnesses and evidence in each case and contact/interview victims and witnesses before trials; work with legal assistants and victim witness personnel to provide complete discovery to defense

Prepare pre-trial motions and perform necessary legal research for drafting pre-trial, trial, and post-trial memoranda and briefs for the court

Respond to defense motions with legal research and argument

Perform as a trial litigator, including being able to:

Prepare for direct and cross-examination of witnesses, including further consultations with police, and research on witness backgrounds

Prepare opening statements and closing arguments, bearing in mind voluminous court cases which pertain to the allowable content of such statements and arguments

Select juries who will be fair and impartial and base their verdicts on evidence

Be prepared for making and meeting objections as they occur

Know and be able to use the rules of evidence and the foundational requirements for any physical or testimonial evidence sought to be introduced in court by either side

Consult with victims regarding their input into plea bargaining decisions or sentencing in cooperation with victim/witness personnel

Correctly apply the various rules of the sentencing reform act to determine the presumptive range for criminal offenses, and take steps to ensure that adequate documentation of criminal history is available

Make appropriate recommendations for sentencing and be able to defend those recommendations in court

Work with probation officers and department of corrections personnel to come up with appropriate responses to probation violations

Present probation violation testimony as needed and argue for the position of the State

Draft appeals of pre-trial rulings as appropriate

Respond to defendant’s appeals or personal restraint or habeas corpus petitions, performing all necessary legal research and writing of legal briefs

Argue appeals at the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and/or the Supreme Court

Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys through written, in person, telephonic, and e-mail means

Advise all County boards and commissioners on County civil issues

Advise all County Elected Officials and their offices regarding County government civil issues

Advise all Department Heads and their departments regarding County government civil issues

Represent the Prosecutor’s Office at public meetings and executive sessions

Review and evaluate County contracts and forms for legality and recommend changes when necessary

Prepare and/or evaluate drafts of proposed resolutions and ordinances

Research civil and legal issues on behalf of County boards, commissions, and departments

Initiate and process appropriate County civil court actions and appeals on behalf of the County in state or federal court and represent the County in all proceedings related to such legal actions

Appear and represent the County in civil court actions and appeals brought against the County in state and federal court and represent the County in all proceedings related to such lawsuits

Respond to public disclosure requests made to the Prosecutor’s Office and assist boards, commissions, and other departments in the processing of their public disclosure requests

May be designated as County Claims Administrator

Qualification

Juris Doctorate degreeWashington State Bar admissionLegal researchStatutesTrial litigationPrioritizeProfessionalismCommunication skills

Required

High School diploma or GED equivalent

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the Washington State Bar

Knowledge of applicable statutes, common law, case law, and procedural rules

Valid WSBA number/license

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to: Set priorities; work with law enforcement, other criminal justice personnel and clerical personnel; follow the rules of court; maintain professionalism; and provide service to the public on a daily basis

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the qualifications stated below at the discretion of the Elected Prosecutor

Valid Washington State driver's license

A criminal history and background check to include fingerprinting will be performed on qualified candidates. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as relativity to the position, age at time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be taken into account

0 – 5 years of experience as a licensed attorney for Deputy Prosecutor I

5 – 10 years of experience as a licensed attorney for Deputy Prosecutor II