Criminal Deputy County Attorney

This position is located in the Gallatin County Attorney's office and is responsible for prosecuting felony offenses in the district court, felony and misdemeanor offenses in the youth court, and misdemeanor offenses in the justice court. This position is also responsible for filing involuntary commitment petitions and appear for involuntary commitment proceedings; file child and adult protection actions and performs other duties as assigned, all under the direction of the Gallatin County Attorney. 

Each duty listed below makes up at least 10% of the job, and all other functions are included in Other Duties as Assigned. All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prosecutes criminal offenders, reviews investigative reports from law enforcement officers and makes determinations of what charges to file and who to charge or decline the prosecution. 

• Prepares for and makes court appearances in non-trial settings such as arraignments, omnibus hearings, change of plea hearings, sentencing hearings, etc.  Interviews and prepares witnesses.  Prepares court papers.  Responds to motions and arguments from the defense. 

• Represents the State in court appearance before judges and juries.   Prepares witnesses.  Prepares jury instructions and exhibits.  Examines witnesses.  Negotiates plea agreements with defense counsel or defendants unrepresented.   Assists law enforcement officers with search warrants and subpoenas.  Does legal research and prepares legal briefs, memoranda and other documents.

• Advises city and county agencies and other special districts on legal questions pertaining to their functions.  Prepares legal opinions, interprets statutes, codes and ordinances.  Prepares resolutions and regulations.  Reviews staff reports and assists with complicated communications.

• Prepares legal documents for court. Negotiates with parties to resolve contested issues. Appears in court and handles regular court duties such as preparing witness, investigating evidence and witnesses, and preparing finding of fact, conclusion of law and preparing other arguments either orally or with written briefs.

   OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED 

Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by the County Attorney and Chief Criminal Deputy  Attorneys.

This work requires knowledge of state and local statutes, rules, regulations and procedures; of county government operations; and legal terminology and documents. The position also requires the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; exercise courtesy and tact in receiving the public and in giving and obtaining information; and understand and maintain safeguards for sensitive and confidential information.

This position requires a degree from an accredited law school and an active membership in the State Bar of Montana to practice before the U.S. Federal District Courts.

Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the County’s liability policies.

To be considered, the following attachments must be uploaded to your online application:

• Cover letter

• Resume and three references

• Legal writing sample

Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.