ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH ATTY (CD) I or II

General Description: This is an at-will position which serves at the will of the Commonwealth's Attorney. The position performs complex tasks in prosecuting felony and misdemeanor matters before Circuit, General District, and Domestic Relations Courts. While the following is a general description of the functions of this position, it should be noted that it is dependent upon the position holder to perform all necessary duties to accomplish the core goal of effectively prosecuting criminal cases, regardless of whether such duties are specifically enumerated.

Organization: The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney position is part of Hanover County's Career Development Program (CD). The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Ladder has four (4) levels ranging from Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I to Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney.  The Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney reports to the Commonwealth's Attorney and may provide leadership to support staff assigned to Courts and/or the Victim-Witness program. The incumbent functions as a liaison to various state and local law-enforcement agencies. 

Essential Functions - Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I

• Prepares and conducts trials in Circuit, General District and Juvenile Courts on behalf of Commonwealth, Hanover County and Town of Ashland.
• Meets with law enforcement and civilian witnesses to review testimony.
• Performs legal research and prepares briefs, motions, and responses.
• Conducts legal training for law enforcement agencies.

• Prepares and conducts trials in Circuit, General District and Juvenile Courts on behalf of Commonwealth, Hanover County and Town of Ashland.
• Meets with law enforcement and civilian witnesses to review testimony.
• Performs legal research and prepares briefs, motions, and responses.
• Conducts legal training for law enforcement agencies.
• Trains support staff and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I.
• May serve as direct contact for law enforcement in specific area of criminal offenses, e.g. vice, animal control, serious traffic.
• Assigned specific criminal cases of complex nature.

Working Conditions:

A. Hazards

• None Known

B. Environment

• Office

• Field – Court – crime scene investigation and off-site interviews

B. Physical Effort

• Normal

D. Exempt

• No Compensatory Leave Accrual

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of federal state and governmental law required. Knowledge of county laws/ordinances, preferred. Familiarity with appellate pleadings and procedures, essential. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, law enforcement, and the general public. 

Education, Experience and Training: Juris Doctorate degree required with a minimum of two (2) years prosecuting cases preferred. Experience with drug and felony cases involving forensic analysis, preferred. – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.

Special Conditions:

• Serves at the pleasure of the Hanover Commonwealth's Attorney

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting

• Twelve-month probationary period

• Work beyond normal work schedule

• VA State Bar, Member in good standing

• May work during adverse weather conditions when other county offices are closed

Revision Date: December 2018

To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume and cover letter to this online application. 

To be hired as a CA I – Prosecution or other criminal trial experience preferred, but not required.

To be hired as a CA II – Minimum of two years prosecution or criminal trial experience including jury trial experience is required.

Both positions require a Virginia State Bar license, in good standing.

Salary range shown is hiring range, not the full salary range for this position. Salary determined based on experience.
 
If you are selected for this position, you will be required to provide a copy of your diploma/degree and certifications.