Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV/V - Extra-Help Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV/V

Full Job Description

NOTE: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications may be eligible for hiring incentive payments up to $20,000 as well as additional sick and vacation hours front-loaded depending on specific experience.


Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Receives and reviews complaints filed in all types of cases.
  
  
• Examines the evidence, interview witnesses and investigates the scene of the crime.
  
  
• Determines if a crime has been committed, and whether the evidence justifies prosecution.
  
  
• Conducts pleadings, arraignments, pretrial agreements, and other aspects of trial work.
  
  
• Assigns investigators to secure evidence or makes personal investigations.
  
  
• Confers with the judge or defense attorney regarding modification or withdrawal of charges.
  
  
• Selection of jurors, prosecution and dispositions of cases.
  
  
• Argues points of law, presents opening statements, final arguments or summations.
  
  
• Prepares motions, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents in connection with legal proceedings.
  
  
• Reviews and prepares correspondence and handles appeals.
  
  
• Advises the public and local law enforcement agencies on legal procedures/problems.
  
  
• Level V-Lead and provide direction to other attorneys within the series.
  
  
• Level V-May be assigned to represent the District Attorney in public forums.

Requirements

Experience:

Level I
None
 
Level II
One (1) year of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
 
Level III
Two (2) years of experience in the practice of civil or criminal law.
 
Level IV
Two (2) years of experience as a Deputy District Attorney III with Merced County OR four (4) years of experience in the practice of law.

Level V
One (1) year of experience as a Deputy District Attorney IV with Merced Count OR six (6) years of experience in the practice of law.
 
Special Requirement:
Active membership in the State Bar of California at time of appointment.

Qualifications

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
  
  
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.

• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
  
  
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
  
  
• Respond appropriately to situations.
  
  
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• 
  
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
  
  
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
  
  
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
  
  
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
  
  
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.
  
  
• Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
  
  
• Penal code of the State of California and other criminal statutes.
  
  
• Legal procedures and documents, and trial procedures used in court cases.
  
  
• Principles, practices, methods, and materials of legal research.
  
  
• Ethical and professional rules of conduct.
  
  
• Level V-Advanced knowledge of specialized statutes including sentencing enhancements.
  
  

Ability to:

• Perform legal research.
  
  
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
  
  
• Prepare and present criminal cases at all levels of the court system.
  
  
• Investigate and prosecute criminal complaints.
  
  
• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems.
  
  
• Present law, facts, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
  
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.
  
  
• Level V-Independently prosecute complex and sensitive criminal cases, including developing effective prosecution strategies.
  
  
• Level V-Effectively lead and direct attorneys and professional staff.