Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV

HIRING INCENTIVE

Hiring Incentive – paid in first paycheck	$1,500
Personal Leave credit in first paycheck	40 hours
Upon completion of probationary period and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$1,500
Upon completion of 3 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$2,000
Upon completion of 4 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$3,000
Upon completion of 5 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$4,000
TOTAL	$12,000

Under general supervision or direction, performs increasingly difficult professional legal work in the analysis, preparation and prosecution of criminal cases before the court in Tuolumne County; and performs related duties as assigned.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives general supervision from the District Attorney.   Exercises no direct supervision over staff.  May provide technical and functional direction to lower level staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
Deputy District Attorney I is the entry level classification in this flexible series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform the less difficult and non-controversial assignments in the District Attorney’s Office under the direction and guidance of the District Attorney and more senior attorneys.  Incumbents normally advance to the higher level of Deputy District Attorney II after gaining experience, achieving proficiency and demonstrating the ability to perform tasks as assigned that meet the requirements for Deputy District Attorney II.
 
Deputy District Attorney II is the journey level classification in this flexible series.  Under general supervision, through formal and informal work review, incumbents perform a full range of assignments.  Positions at this level are normally filled by advancement from the Deputy District Attorney I level.

Deputy District Attorney III is the advanced journey level classification in this flexible series.   Incumbents handle complex and difficult legal matters and assignments, and may provide training and technical expertise to lower level Deputy District Attorneys.  A high level of independence in handling cases and assignments is expected at this level.
 
Deputy District Attorney IV is the most experienced level classification in this flexible series.   Incumbents handle the most complex and sensitive legal assignment requiring an experienced prosecutor with specialized training using independent judgment and discretion. Deputy District Attorneys IV’s may provide direction and training to less experienced staff attorneys and assist in supervising the daily operations of the Office.(Illustrative Only)
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 at all phases of criminal complaint, from 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 limitedly investigating crime scenes; reviewing search and arrest warrants; examining cases and determining best case strategies; researching legal issues affecting cases and then applying the law to the facts of a criminal case by preparing pleadings, legal briefs, motions, petitions, etc.; interviewing witnesses and victims and evaluating their credibility and ability to testify; preparing expert witnesses for testimony; trying criminal cases in jury and court trials; and determining appropriate post-conviction sentences, etc.
• Presents and argues prepared 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.
• Keeps abreast of all new criminal legislation and case law affecting Tuolumne County cases.
• Attends professional conferences, training, seminars, workshops, etc., and reads professional journals to maintain job knowledge and skills.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 
Deputy District Attorney III / IV:   (In addition to the above) 

• 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 supervising the daily operations of the office, including caseload assignment, progress monitoring and support services.

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.
• Courtroom / judicial procedures and processes.
• Methods and techniques of legal research.
• 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 by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, 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.
• Methods of conducting sensitive investigations.
• Established precedents, case law and sources of legal reference applicable to District Attorney’s Office activities.
• Functions and authorities of other criminal justice organizations.
• Management of media relations in routine and sensitive situations.

 
Deputy District Attorney III / IV:  (In addition to the above) 

• Principles and practices of lead work direction, including work planning, assignment and review; training principles and practices, and job mentoring.

 
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.
• Limitedly represent minor children in dependency cases.
• Limitedly prosecute minor defendant through juvenile delinquency proceedings.
• 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.
• Interact effectively with the news media while protecting prosecution interests.
• Prosecute increasingly complex cases, including both misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. Increasingly represent minor children in dependency cases and prosecute minor defendant through juvenile delinquency proceedings.

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 three-strikes or life-term cases.

Deputy District Attorney IV: (In addition to the above) 

• Prosecute the most complex, high-profile, and specialized cases, including but not limited to capital and special circumstance assessment and litigation, criminal grand jury proceedings, sexually violent predator litigation, and sanity litigation.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV:
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 Tuolumne County.
 
Deputy District Attorney III:
 Four (4) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years at a level equivalent to the Deputy District Attorney II with Tuolumne County.
 
Deputy District Attorney IV:
 Six (6) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2)  years at a level equivalent to the Deputy District Attorney III with Tuolumne County.   
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

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

Technical skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Microsoft Suite Proficiency
• Legal Research
• Organizational Aptitude
• Knowledge of Justice System
• Legal Typing
• Public Speaking

Interpersonal skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Active Listening
• Coachability
• Strategic Thinking
• Excellent Communicator
• Creative Problem Solver
• Management

Salary : $81,099 - $154,232