Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

The Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney is seeking a Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to join their legal team.  Under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, reviews and authorizes requests for warrants, determines the appropriate charge and prosecutes criminal and civil cases. They also regularly present criminal cases in the District Court, in Probate Court and Circuit Court.  The Senior Assistant will also attempt to resolve and dispose of criminal and civil cases or tries cases in court.

Newaygo County offers a generous fringe benefit package which includes retirement and health insurance with no payroll deduction.  Additionally, longevity pay increases are available beyond the top hourly rate as listed above.

1. Reviews criminal warrant requests from State and local law enforcement agencies, analyzes police reports, collects input from the law enforcement officers, researches the law as necessary to determine applicable statutes, and determines whether adequate grounds exist to authorize a warrant.
2. Researches and prepares criminal cases for trial, motion, sentencing and other proceedings. Includes researching applicable laws and court rules, interviewing witnesses, victims, children and investigating claims, developing trial strategies, and directing law enforcement officers and various staff/other parties in further investigations.
3. Appears in court for arraignments, motions, trials, sentencing and other proceedings for the Prosecutor’s Office. Selects jury, presents arguments, examines and cross-examines witnesses, introduces physical evidence/exhibits, argues with Judges and defense attorneys on points of law, jury instructions, qualification of expert witnesses and procedure and argues factual conclusions to a Judge or jury.
4. Cooperates with law enforcement officers and staff from various agencies to ensure investigation and reporting of assigned cases are accomplished in accordance with professional and judicial rules and standards. Provides legal advice and instruction to officers and agency staff.
5. Attempts to resolve and dispose of pending criminal and civil cases by negotiation and mediation with attorneys and involved parties to reach a plea agreement and potential sentencing or disposition.
6. Reviews requests for search warrants, drafts search warrants and authorizes warrants as appropriate.
7. Assists the Prosecutor in researching and rendering opinions on legal issues, policy and procedure involving the County, county agencies and departments and advises the same on legal issues.  Drafts and reviews press releases and county forms for statutory compliance upon request.
8. Serves in an on-call capacity on a rotating basis.
9. Manages the caseload in the Family Division of of the Circuit Court, representing the Prosecutor’s Office in juvenile delinquency, child support, and other miscellaneous matters as needed.

Education:Law degree from an accredited law school.

Experience:Five to seven years preferred.

Please submit a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references.