Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Summary

Carry out broad based criminal legal assignments under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney. Primarily handle Appeals, resulting from Superior Court adult Felony cases.

Scope of Responsibility

The Deputy Prosecutor is expected to manage a high-volume adult felony appeals in an organized and efficient manner. Exercise independent judgement within a latitude set by the Prosecuting Attorney. This position performs highly complex legal work representing the State of Washington in the prosecution of criminal offenses at the Superior Court, Juvenile Court, and Appellate Court levels. The Deputy Prosecutor may also be responsible for assisting with resolving day to day issues with law enforcement and defense attorneys, communicating with the public, and contributing to community and law enforcement presentations. Duties are performed with professional discretion and within office policies, professional ethics and standards and legal requirements.

Typical Duties

Manage a high number of appeals cases with the Court of Appeals Division III, Washington State Supreme Court, and other appeal matters as assigned by the Okanogan County Prosecuting Attorney.

Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested and advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases.

Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, if any, and determine whether to refer cases back to law enforcement for further investigation.

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, appeal briefs, 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:

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.

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.

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

Prepare cases for trial. Assure thorough investigation and organization of facts and information.

Handle pretrial hearings such as arraignments, motions to suppress, competency and related matters, as applicable; coordinate with law enforcement agencies as required.

Present and conduct courtroom proceedings necessary to effectively try or defend assigned cases.

Determine strategy including organization, timing and order of evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses and related factors. Assure Prosecuting Attorney is informed of case progress and direction.

Plan, organize, evaluate and direct the work activities of employees of lower classification.

Advise law enforcement after hours in regard to arrests, searches, warrants, etc.

Assure the accuracy of work performed in assigned sections of the department by monitoring the work of personnel in their various areas of responsibility.

Assure the prompt investigation of citizen questions and/ or complaints regarding the various functions of the department. Personally, initiate actions to resolve complex problems.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all- inclusive listing of work requirements.

Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

Qualifications

Requires graduation from law school, and a valid license to practice law in the State of Washington. Requires a thorough knowledge of criminal law and related Washington statutes and cases. Requires the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials and employees of other departments and agencies and the general public.

Special Requirements

Possession of valid Washington State Driver's license. Ability to satisfactorily pass a comprehensive, in-depth background investigation which shows no criminal activity which could directly impact ability to perform the job.

Individuals assigned to this classification work in the capacity of an " at- will" employee and may be terminated without or without cause, at the discretion of the County Prosecutor.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,412.00 - $140,880.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person