Attorney I-VI

ATTORNEY IV

Criminal

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

Practices civil or criminal law for Hays County and the State of Texas. This is the fourth in a series of seven attorney-related job classifications within the Attorney job category.

Under general direction from the elected District Attorney, this position prosecutes misdemeanor and felony cases in Hays County.

An Attorney IV handles cases and matters that are moderately complex and that may result in moderately serious consequences without supervision, and cases and matters that are complex and that may result in serious consequences with supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor crimes committed by adults and juveniles, including jury and non-jury trials.
• Handles assigned cases from in-take through appeal.
• Plans casework, conducts arraignment proceedings, reviews physical evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares trial exhibits, files motions and briefs, negotiates pleas, selects juries, prepares jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases.
• Evaluates cases for presentation to the grand jury by reviewing police incident and investigation reports, reviewing criminal histories, requesting additional investigative information, interviewing and preparing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and drafting indictments.
• Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, evidentiary suppression issues, and sentencing recommendations.
• Screens protective orders, negotiates resolutions, and represents applicants in hearings.
• Handles appeals by reviewing legal issues, conducting legal research, reviewing court transcripts, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments in appellate courts.
• Counsels and discusses cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases.
• Ensures that trial and other legal deadlines are met.
• Some positions occasionally handle county civil work.
• Some positions provide training to court appointed special advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, women's center volunteers, and/or others.
• Some positions handle cases before Justices of the Peace.
• Represents the State in magistration hearings, hearings relating to emergency protective orders, and examining trials.
• Attend hearings either remotely or in person, as required, at irregular times and dates, including weekends and some holidays relating to participation by counsel at magistration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Generally none.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge required

• Knowledge of Hays County Criminal District Attorney's Office regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil statutes, and case law.
• Knowledge of the law, methods and practices of criminal prosecution, including court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of Hays County general law enforcement and criminal justice methods and practices.

Skill required

• Skill in conducting criminal prosecutions of felonies and misdemeanors.
• Skill in preparing and presenting cases for appellate review.
• Skill in preparing and presenting cases for grand jury consideration.
• Skill in reading, understanding, and interpreting complex legal issues.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, vendors, outside agencies, and the public.

Education and/or Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• At least five year’s experience working as a licensed attorney.
• Capable of handling cases and matters that are moderately complex and that may result in moderately serious consequences without supervision, and cases and matters that are complex and that may result in serious consequences with supervision.

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• License to practice law in the State of Texas.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to:

• Use of his/her hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Talk
• Hear
• Occasionally stand, walk, crawl, kneel, stoop, climb or balance
• Frequently sit
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Guidelines

An Attorney IV must demonstrate good judgment and knowledge in interpreting statutes, regulations, and policies, both in performing assigned tasks and advising others. This employee analyzes the results and makes changes to the methods as necessary. This position must have a strong work ethic. The Attorney IV must meet deadlines, have good attendance, be punctual, be reliable, keep promises, have a great initiative, and have a proper attitude.

Emotional Demands

This position manages stressful interactions with argumentative or emotional individuals and groups withing the general public and Hays County departments. The Attorney IV meets with contacts in a structured setting at Hays County facilities or courtrooms. This employee may be called upon to persuade, influence,

motivate fearful, skeptical, or uncooperative individuals or otherwise assert control over situations involving such individuals. This employee must settle controversial issues involving persons of diverse viewpoints.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in a normal office setting or in a courtroom setting. The employee must interview and prosecute criminals and is occasionally exposed to health or physical hazards such as violent or contagious individuals.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $81,702.00 - $120,711.00 per year

Work Location: In person