Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Job Opening: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Superior Court)

** Warning: we are currently having technical difficulties with our online application submission. If you would like to apply and are having issues, you can call our office or email your resume and application to HR [at] pendoreille.org. **

REPORTS TO: Prosecutor/ Office Manager

PAY GRADE: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week); Exempt position, Benefits Apply

Full Range: Step 1 $6,102.11 to Step 5 $7,738.36

Hiring Range: Step 1 $6,102.11/month to Step 4 $7,300.73/month DOE

JOB SUMMARY: The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, represents the State of Washington in Pend Oreille County courts in criminal cases.  This position manages an active felony criminal caseload in Superior Court but may also include other types of criminal prosecutions. This includes evaluation, filing, and preparation of cases through trial and sentencing and may require the handling of appeals. Works cooperatively and effectively with law enforcement, the public, and other employees. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: This position will be assigned a combination of job functions from among different job duties within this class or perform similar duties of similar responsibility and

1. Prepares litigation cases. 
2. Works with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation of cases.
3. Reviews reports for legal sufficiency and determines appropriate charges to be filed. 
4. Handles pretrial hearings such as preliminary appearances, omnibus hearings, bail hearings, suppression and confession hearings, pleas, and sentencings.
5. Prepares and litigates jury trials or bench trials as appropriate; selects juries if applicable; may handle appellate matters arising from such trials or hearings, including appellate brief preparation and argument.
6. Presents and conducts courtroom proceedings necessary for the hearing of assigned cases. 
7. Determines strategy, including organization, timing, and order of evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses, and related factors. 
8. Ensures the Prosecuting Attorney and other concerned parties are informed of case progress and direction. 
9. Coordinates with Victim/Witness staff to arrange for the timely appearance of witnesses. 
10. Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda and legal briefs in connection with assigned cases and for other attorneys, as required. 
11. Communicates regularly with state and local agencies.
12. Advise law enforcement agencies on the legal aspects of specific offenses and on proper arrest, search and seizure, and related procedures. 
13. Carry out any or all duties of Deputy Prosecutor as directed and assigned by the Prosecuting Attorney. 
14. Perform any or all other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES: 

1. Knowledge of traffic and criminal laws of the State of Washington; rules and procedures of juvenile, district, and superior courts; basic techniques of preparation and prosecution of juvenile, traffic and felony criminal cases.
2. Ability to exercise discretion, as supervised by the Prosecuting Attorney, as to when criminal charges should be filed, what charges are to be filed, and the appropriate sentencing recommendation to make to the court.
3. Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems; present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form without significant supervision.
4. Ability to work harmoniously with law enforcement and court personnel and maintain good public relations.
5. Sufficient knowledge and ability to advise law enforcement agencies during investigations, prepare search warrants, prepare and file Information or Criminal Complaints, prepare and file petitions for the revocation of probation, and obtain arrest warrants.
6. Ability to advise all victims and witnesses of their rights and ensure that they are treated fully and fairly within the criminal justice system.
7. Ability to assist the Prosecuting Attorney and the other deputies in the office, as needed, and can become involved in any of the functions of the prosecuting attorney's office.  The deputy prosecutor may be assigned, based on qualifications and experience, to any divisions within the office, at the discretion of the Prosecuting Attorney. 
8. Ability to plan and organize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
9. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 
10. Ability to work well and communicate with co-workers, other county departments, other governmental agencies, and the public.
11. Fully comply with the ethical rules and guidelines for attorneys as established by the Washington State Supreme Court. 
12. Project a professional image.
13. Attend and successfully complete training as directed by the Prosecuting Attorney and engage in regular review to maintain current knowledge of applicable case law and legislative enactments.
14. Learn to use and proficiently operate office and courtroom technology such as computers, copiers, camera projectors, scanners, and various computer software programs and applications including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and electronic document management systems; ability to learn and use new software programs as necessary.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

1. Graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association is required.
2. Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, remain active with Washington State Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record.
3. Must have a minimum of three (3) years of practice as an attorney, preferably in the prosecution of criminal offenses.
4. Requires a full knowledge of criminal law and related Washington statutes.

LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Must be 18 years or older.
2. Maintain a valid driver’s license.
3. Successfully pass driving record check.
4. Must be a United States citizen.
5. Must pass a criminal history background check. 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Work is performed in an office setting and in courtrooms. There is daily use of computers and frequent dealings with other Offices and Departments. Position duties are performed with frequent interruptions and deadlines. Position may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings outside of the office setting. The workdays are Monday through Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm. Travel within the County is possible. The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, write, hear, speak, and lift up to 50 lbs. of unequal weight. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, and peripheral, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Because of the nature of this position, duties must be performed during regular hours within the department (no telecommuting). 

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: Respectful, courteous, and friendly to customers, other County employees, and County leadership. A team player that helps the organization meet its objectives. Takes initiative to meet work objectives. Effectively communicates with customers and County employees. Gets along with co-workers and managers. Positively represents the County, maintaining the trust County residents have placed in each of us. Demonstrates honest and ethical behaviors at all times.