Deputy District Attorney III (Open Until Filled) at Crook County

I.      Job Purpose:

            Under the general supervision of the District Attorney, and the direct supervision of the Chief Deputy District Attorney, the Deputy District Attorney III represents the State of Oregon in Crook County as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of major felony criminal actions in Circuit Court proceedings. This position reviews cases for merit and decides whether to take cases before the Grand Jury, to trial or to plea bargain.  The Deputy District Attorney III appears in court for arraignments, pre-trial conferences, plea proceedings, settlement conferences, motion hearings, bench and jury trials and sentencing hearings.  In addition, this position does research and investigation to prepare for trials.  This position assists the Chief Deputy in supervising and training of the Deputy District Attorneys positions on a daily basis and provides consultation on difficult or unusual cases and may supervise the entire staff in the absence of the District Attorney and Chief Deputy District Attorney.  This position also provides consultation and legal advice to law enforcement and other elected and appointed officials.

            •           Number of Employees Reporting to This Position:     3-4 

II.        Essential Functions:

• Assists in the supervision of the Deputy District Attorneys.  Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the County’s policies and procedures.
• Co-chairs felony cases with the Deputy District Attorneys when needed for support and training.
• Performs intake procedures which includes reviewing police reports, determining if further investigation is needed and determining which charges, if any, will be filed and against whom, files charges by Information or Indictment on behalf of the District Attorney.
• Participates in crime scene investigations when called out by law enforcement; reviews crime scene and advises on seizure of evidence; assists investigators with search warrant affidavits.
• Litigates criminal cases, particularly felony cases; examines prospective trial jurors to select an impartial jury; examines and cross-examines witnesses; argues objections and mid-trial motions; presents closing arguments; litigates pre-trial motions and prepares trial strategy to prosecute criminal cases; analyzes admissibility and determines presentation of witnesses and evidence; subpoenas and prepares witnesses for testifying; prepares legal briefs and oral arguments.
• Prepares motions, orders, memoranda, diversion agreements and search/arrest warrants with supporting affidavits.
• Negotiates potential case resolutions with defense counsel/defendants as appropriate, in accordance with facts, laws and office policies.
• Prepares witnesses and trial notes. Researches legal issues and confers with citizen witnesses and law enforcement agencies.
• Analyzes facts and legality of felony criminal investigations; determines whether investigations are complete and sufficient to be presented to the Grand Jury for a charging decision; pursues formal indictment process; analyzes police reports, evidence and search warrant affidavits; reviews legal issues and requests further investigation; subpoenas witnesses to testify; provides legal instructions to jury members.
• Processes return indictments and conducts court arraignments appearances; presents indictments to the judge and recommends bail amounts; makes pretrial release recommendations; negotiates case resolution with defense counsel; conducts plea appearances.
• Presents evidence and argument at arraignments, release hearings, hearings on motions, trials, grand jury proceedings.
• Formulates and recommends appropriate sentences based on criminal conviction; evaluates pre-sentence investigation reports; presents evidence and witnesses to support sentencing recommendations.
• Conducts legal research necessary for case preparation, to answer questions of Law Enforcement Agencies and to broaden legal background. Keeps up to date on court decisions and legislation affecting criminal laws.
• Discusses criminal procedures with law enforcement agents designed to improve procedures for arrests, searches, seizures, etc. Instructs law enforcement in law and recommended procedures at annual law enforcement trainings.
• Attends meetings, advises, cooperates and works with other criminal justice and social agencies.
• Provides legal advice to law enforcement during working hours and when on-call, including responding to the scenes of unattended deaths, homicides and other crimes.
• Provides support and assists in the development of the Deputy District Attorneys.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.  Comply with all office policies and procedures.

III.      Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of criminal law.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of court room and trial procedures.
• Knowledge of statues, rules and case law relating to grand jury proceedings, criminal pleading, detention, arrest, search and seizure, self -incrimination, right-to-counsel, other criminal procedures and prosecutorial immunity and liability.
• Knowledge of techniques of persuasion; sentencing guidelines for felons; legal research procedures and methods; principles and techniques of negotiation; police investigation techniques.
• Knowledge of professional responsibility and ethics.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of forensics; principles of psychology and psychiatry related to criminal behavior.
• Knowledge of laws relating to forfeiture of property.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and procedures.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts and evidence.
• Ability to research, analyze and prepare legal documents.
• Ability to effectively and persuasively present facts, evidence, precedents and recommendations to judges and juries.
• Ability to provide accurate and practical legal advice.
• Ability to obtain cooperation from young, reluctant and/or traumatized crime victims.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, law enforcement and court personnel, prosecuting and defense attorneys and the public.
• Ability to provide backup and support to co-workers, provide training to coworkers as requested by the District Attorney or Chief Deputy District Attorney.
• Must make effective decisions under stress.
• Must work effectively with others when they are angry, hostile or upset.
• Must work quickly and accurately.
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to multi task.

IV.      Qualifications: 

• Education – Law Degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be a member in good standings with the Oregon State Bar.
• Experience – five years of increasingly responsible legal experience. 
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities to perform the above described duties.
• Must complete 45 hours of continuing law education every three years.
• Equipment used – personal computer and related software, printers, photocopier, facsimile, multi-line phone, scanner and county vehicle.
• Current driver’s license.

• Prior to or on date of hire:

• Able to complete a thorough employment and/or criminal history check.
• Able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test (not required for all positions).
• Able to complete a federal background investigation for CJIS
• Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts (not required for all positions). 

V.        Position Details:

• The duties outlined in this job description are not all inclusive and additional duties and tasks will be assigned as required. 
• Work location is 300 NE Third St.
• Fair Labor Standards Classification: Exempt
• Crook County is an equal opportunity employer

• This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause.
• Crook County offers an excellent benefits package, including vacation and sick leave, an employee retirement plan (Police/Fire PERS), quality health and dental insurance coverage, and payment of Oregon State Bar dues.