Assistant City Prosecutor

About Maple Grove, MN

Maple Grove is a forward thinking, thriving community in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We are home to over 73,000 residents with a projected population of 90,000 by 2040 with 2,500 acres of undeveloped land. The City of Maple Grove is proud to employ over 300 benefit-earning employees, 500+ part-time, casual, temporary, seasonal employees, and 100 paid-on-call firefighters to staff our many departments. We provide public safety, public works, community and economic development, parks & recreation and many other important public services to a growing community.

The Position

The City of Maple Grove is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to serve as an Assistant City Prosecutor in a newly added position, working collaboratively as part of a two-Assistant City Prosecutor team. Under the general supervision of the City Prosecutor, in this position you will represent the City of Maple Grove in the criminal prosecution of non-felony offenses, including initial case review, drafting complaints, arraignments, pretrial and omnibus hearings, and jury trial. You will gain significant courtroom and trial experience in this position and will be challenged to grow your professional skills by conducting trainings for law enforcement and by acting as legal advisor for the Maple Grove Police Department. In this position, you will build and maintain strong partnerships with law enforcement and other key stakeholders in the city. Come join our dedicated and passionate Prosecution office and help make a positive impact in our community!

Responsibilities

• Represent the City of Maple Grove by appearing in court in each stage of criminal proceedings including arraignments, pre-trial plea negotiations, pretrial hearings, trials, sentencings, and appeals.
• Screen cases for viability of criminal charges by reviewing and evaluating the reports and evidence obtained from law enforcement, speaking with law enforcement, witnesses, and victims regarding cases, and assessing potential legal and evidentiary issues prior to making filing decisions.
• Work with victim witness coordinator to keep affected parties updated as to the progress of the case, discuss proposed case resolutions with law enforcement and victims, and, when necessary, prepare law enforcement officers, civilian witnesses, and victims for hearings and/or trial.
• Represent the City of Maple Grove in pre-trial plea negotiations in a respectful and professional manner, and, if pre-trial resolutions fail, represent the city in trial proceedings.
• Research and write legal briefs on issues, including appeals to Minnesota appellate courts.
• Actively collaborate with and support the work of partner non-profits or other community groups that provide domestic violence or victim support services (e.g., Maria’s Voice, Corner House, Northern Star Diversion, or CROSS Services).
• Prepare and present training materials to police department personnel in collaboration with the Maple Grove Police Department (police command staff or leadership meetings, roll calls, or department training).
• Act as legal advisor to the Maple Grove Police Department and other city departments as assigned.
• Participate in meetings regarding court or criminal justice system initiatives and implement appropriate responses (e.g., CJCC or HJIP).
• Coordinate efforts to ensure the City of Maple Grove is an equitable, inclusive, and respectful organization and supports the City’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and respect the diversity of customers and co-workers, effectively communicating with individuals whose first language may be one other than English.

Knowledge of:

• United States and Minnesota constitutions, statues, and cases regarding criminal law
• Minnesota Criminal Statutes and the Minnesota Rules of Evidence
• Minnesota rules of court and criminal procedure
• Minnesota rules on lawyers’ professional responsibility
• Minnesota vehicle forfeiture laws
• Minnesota victim rights laws
• Minnesota Data Practices Act

Skilled in:

• Using computerized legal research.
• Using word processing, e-mail, internet browser, and complex computer programs/data bases for case management, document management, court records, criminal histories, drivers’ licenses, and various digital audio/video programs.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound, independent judgment.
• Communicate with victims, defense attorneys, and the court in an effective, tactful, and courteous manner, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, law enforcement, and court personnel.
• Manage and prioritize multiple work tasks.
• Competently and professionally perform legal duties.
• Meet high ethical standards.
• Prepare and present cases in court

Qualifications

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Need to have:

• Two years’ experience practicing criminal law.
• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
• Current license to practice law in the State of Minnesota.
• A commitment to and belief in the organization’s shared values.
• A public service orientation.

Nice to have:

• Experience in a public sector environment.
• Experience in criminal prosecution

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Office environment; exposure to computer screens; working closely with others, working in a court room setting.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time; general manual dexterity; adequate hearing, vision, and speech required; must be able to operate assigned equipment.