Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Represents the State in all phases of criminal matters, from charging to arraignment to trial to appeals.
• Performs legal work in the preparation and prosecution of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases.
• Maintains and manages individual caseloads in a timely and effective manner.
• Reviews police reports and makes decisions regarding the issuing of criminal complaints; prepares victims and witnesses for participation in the legal process.
• Prepares cases for prosecution by performing duties such as providing discovery; visiting crime scenes; reviews search and arrest warrants; examine cases and determine best case strategies; research and write pleadings, briefs, motions, petitions, etc.; interviews witnesses and victims and evaluates their credibility and ability to testify; prepares expert witnesses for testimony.
• Presents and argues cases in court on behalf of the People of the State of California in all phases of misdemeanor and felony criminal trials including arraignments, bail hearings, settlement conferences, motion hearings, bench trials, jury trials, sentencings, restitution hearings, and probation violation hearings.
• Assists law enforcement agencies requiring legal advice about the investigation of any criminal matter; coordinates case activities with law enforcement personnel and others as appropriate.
• Responds to and resolves inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
• Performs general administrative / office work as necessary, including but not limited to attending meetings, reviewing mail and literature, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing reports and correspondence, assembling documents and files, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality; ensures the Constitutional rights of defendants and victims are protected; and adheres to the Rules of Professional Responsibility and ethical standards applicable to prosecutors.
• Keeps abreast of all new criminal legislation and case law affecting cases.
• Attends professional conferences, training, seminars, workshops, etc., and reads professional journals to maintain job knowledge and skills.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Presents training and gives presentations to community organizations, law enforcement agencies, etc., as necessary to enhance job skills and/or increase public awareness and support of department programs and services.
• Provides training and technical expertise to lower-level Deputy District Attorneys as assigned.
• May assist the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney in media relations and supervising the daily operations of the office, including caseload assignment, progress monitoring and support services.
• Represents the State in civil and quasi-criminal matters that are within the purview of the Office of the District Attorney.

Knowledge of:
 
Deputy District Attorney I:
Pertinent federal, state and county laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the California Penal, Health and Safety, and Vehicle Codes; basic principles and practices of criminal law, search and seizure, statutory and Constitutional discovery obligations; rules of professional responsibility and ethical standards applicable to prosecutors; courtroom / judicial procedures and processes; methods and techniques of legal research and writing; trial advocacy methods; rules of evidence and their application; methods of preparing legal and administrative documents, records and reports; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for providing a high level of customer service to effectively deal with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, the public at large, and County staff; California appellate procedure and law.
 
Deputy District Attorney II: (In addition to the above)
Complex principles of criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence and their application; basic felony sentencing rules; basic search warrant practice; established precedents, case law and sources of legal reference applicable to District Attorney's Office activities; functions and authorities of other criminal justice organizations.
 
Deputy District Attorney III / IV: (In addition to the above)
Principles and practices of lead work direction, including work planning, assignment and review; complex felony sentencing rules, including one-strike, three strikes, and special circumstances; complex search warrant practice; lifer rules and regulations; training principles and practices, and job mentoring; methods of conducting sensitive investigations; effective media relations in routine and sensitive situations.
 
 
 
 
Ability to:
 
Deputy District Attorney I:
Analyze and apply basic legal practices, principles and methods; effectively apply legal knowledge and principles in court; evaluate investigative reports to determine appropriate charges, strategies for prosecution or settlement, and follow-up required; present statements of law, fact and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions; interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion; maintain records and prepare required reports; perform required mathematical computations with accuracy; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; prosecute misdemeanor cases, including but not limited to driving under the influence, battery, domestic violence, drug possession, and petty thefts; prosecute juvenile delinquency cases; draft and represent the People in misdemeanor and infraction appeals at the Superior Court level.
 
Deputy District Attorney II: (In addition to the above)
Analyze and apply complex legal practices, principles, methods, facts and precedents to legal problems; prosecute increasingly complex cases, including both misdemeanor and felony criminal cases; prosecute juvenile delinquency cases.
 
Deputy District Attorney III: (In addition to the above)
Provide training and/or presentations for community service organizations and law enforcement agencies; provide lead work direction, including work planning, assignment and review; provide effective training and job mentoring as assigned; prosecute increasingly complex cases, including one strike, three–strikes, life-term cases, sanity litigation, civil asset forfeiture litigation, and lifer hearings.  Conduct criminal grand jury hearings.  Interact effectively with the news media while protecting prosecution interests.  Respond and advise law enforcement at crime scenes.  Work effectively with other agencies in developing multi-disciplinary protocols.
 
Deputy District Attorney IV: (In addition to the above)
Prosecute the most complex, high-profile, sensitive, and specialized cases, including but not limited to capital and special circumstance cases, and sexually violent predator litigation.  Manage media relations in routine and sensitive situations.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying unless specific state and federal education, certification and licensure is required.  
 
Deputy District Attorney (all levels):
A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, and
 
Deputy District Attorney I:
No experience required.
 
Deputy District Attorney II:
Two (2) years of professional legal experience at a level equivalent to Deputy District Attorney I in Calaveras County.
 
Deputy District Attorney III:
Four (4) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years of experience  at a level equivalent to the Deputy District Attorney II with Calaveras County.
 
Deputy District Attorney IV:
Six (6) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years of experience at a level equivalent to the Deputy District Attorney III with Calaveras County.

 

• Must be an active member in good standing of the California State Bar Association.
•  Must possess a California driver license and have and maintain a satisfactory driving record.