Attorney, Misdemeanor I

SUMMARY 

This position requires comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of criminal prosecution and law enforcement procedures. It involves prosecuting misdemeanor level offenses in the County Court-At-Law, maintaining daily contact with the public, and assisting the Criminal District Attorney with trials and the handling of all criminal law matters. The role is also responsible for ensuring that prosecutions are conducted appropriately, based on the facts and the application of current law.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Duties include the following:

• Act as lead prosecutor for the court, as assigned by the Chief Misdemeanor Prosecutor.
• Mentor and assist Misdemeanor II prosecutor in all court proceedings, as assigned by the Chief Misdemeanor Prosecutor.
• Responsible for all Misdemeanor cases in County Court-At-Law from intake through disposition.
• Manage non-jury and jury dockets of your assigned courts, to include negotiating appropriate plea offers and discuss relevant issues with defense counsel or pro se defendants. 
• Timely perform case intake, screening of cases, and follow-up investigation on cases submitted by law enforcement agencies.
• Ensure court dockets are appropriately prepared for each docket.
• Review offense reports and discovery logs to ensure that all discovery has been made available to defense counsel. 
• Adequately prepare and handle pre-trial and post-conviction hearings, such as motions for discovery, motions to suppress evidence, motions to revoke probation, etc.
• Adequately prepare for and conduct trials (bench or jury) weekly.
• Perform witness interviews, contact victims, and contact Law Enforcement Agency personnel, as necessary.
• Review and handle Protective Orders hearings in your assigned court. 
• Participate in Specialty Courts as appropriate.
• Assist with felony cases representing the State in criminal matters at the discretion of the Chief Misdemeanor Prosecutor.
• Perform legal research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of the law. 
• Collaborate with the Chief Misdemeanor Prosecutor and other Misdemeanor Prosecutors on various cases as needed. 
• Provide support and assist other court teams as necessary, to include the JP courts. 
• Appellate work is not required, but opportunity is available as court schedule allows. 
• Attend all meetings and trainings, as required. 
• Attendance is an essential function of the job.

Note: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year College or university and a J.D. (law) degree are required. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

The individual must have a Texas Law license.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is a sedentary position.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $93,036 - $104,000