Deputy District Attorney I

Summary

Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office to seek justice, advance public safety and uphold the law. We strive to maintain public trust and serve the people of Deschutes County with fairness, integrity and honor.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The District Attorney’s Office represents the State of Oregon in all criminal cases filed in Deschutes County. Representation includes enforcing the laws of the State of Oregon, protecting the innocent, ensuring the guilty are held accountable, and advocating for victims of crime to be heard and respected in the process. The District Attorney and a team of Deputy District Attorneys are responsible for evaluating the investigative reports submitted by local, state and federal agencies and determining whether justice and public safety require prosecution. If the Office initiates prosecution, the attorneys are then responsible for presenting evidence to and advising the Grand Jury, and representing the State at every stage of the criminal proceeding in Circuit Court thereafter. The Office can also decide to defer certain cases out of the traditional criminal justice system into alternative diversion programs that maintain community safety and improve offender and victim outcomes.

ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:
A Deputy District Attorney is appointed by the District Attorney to represent the State of Oregon by upholding State and Federal law through the review, preparation, and prosecution of criminal cases in Deschutes County. Deputy District Attorneys are assigned to perform some or all functions of the District Attorney's Office, such as criminal case intake, guidance to law enforcement, appearances before the grand jury, circuit and juvenile courts, and serve in other areas as directed.

The position is to perform professional legal work in an assigned area. A Deputy District Attorney is responsible for the analysis, preparation, negotiation and litigation of a full range of criminal cases. The position works under the direction of the District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney and Supervisory Deputy District Attorneys who assign work, review performance and provide consultation on cases. The incumbent is expected to comply with all legal practices and standards, as well as office policy.

Supervision is not a responsibility of this position.

This position is located in Deschutes County and may be eligible for hybrid of in-office/remote work as allowed by policy and approved by the supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Examines incoming investigation reports to determine whether further investigation is needed or whether criminal charges should be issued through reviewing and analyzing evidence, police reports and related documents.
• Appears in court for arraignments, release hearings, plea appearances, trials, sentencing hearings and other proceedings that the court may schedule. Must be prepared to advocate or respond to opposing counsel and to inform the court of the State's position on the matter, as well as supporting or contrary authority.
• Negotiates potential case resolutions with defense counsel/defendants as appropriate, in accordance with the pertinent facts, law and office policy.

• Criminal law and the practices and procedures of criminal prosecution, legal research methods, and applicable rules, codes and regulations for area of assignment.
• Courtroom and trial procedures.
• Legal research methods.

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and work with minimum supervision, using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, community partners and agencies at all times.
• Analyzing and interpreting data using accepted legal research procedures and methods. Ability to present effectively before the court and to work with a high degree of independence.

• This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.

Compensation

$7,417.58 to $9,981.81 per month for a 172.67 hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree required; this serves as an entry level position.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver's license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

CJIS certification from the State of Oregon are required within six months of hire.

Must pass a pre-qualifying driving record review and criminal history background.

Background Investigation.
A successful candidate will complete a full background investigation prior to receiving a conditional job offer.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click HERE for information.