Attorney I - Criminal

Attorney I - Criminal prosecutes defendants accused of misdemeanors and infractions at the magistrate court level. Appears in court proceedings on behalf of A Government Entity and evaluates the legal merits of whether a defendant is guilty or innocent. Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda to prepare cases. Answers general inquiries from the public in matters related to criminal law and criminal procedure. This position works under limited supervision.

This position is designated as At-Will.

Essential Functions:

• Performs routine tasks and assists others in more complex tasks.
• Handles criminal cases in court. Represents A Government Entity at all levels of the criminal process, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, post-sentencing hearings, and appeals.
• Handles a significant number of misdemeanor criminal and civil infraction cases. Prepares files and reviews cases, documents, criminal histories, factual reports, and applicable laws for all stages of court proceedings. Writes and replies to all relevant motions.
• Conducts a criminal background check for each defendant, evaluates strengths and weaknesses, and reviews the defendant's driver's license status when necessary. Synthesizes factual reports provided by law enforcement and witnesses. Inspects and redacts evidence in preparation for disclosure.
• Discloses relevant and legal evidence to the defense parties. Provides sentencing recommendations based on criminal history and the defendant's conduct, develops an offer of settlement, and negotiates with defense counsel to reach a joint resolution. Communicates with pro se defendants, defense attorneys, victims, the victim's witness, police officers, judges, and clerks in a timely manner. Prepares unresolved cases for trial.
• Researches and writes memoranda and briefs on various criminal issues. Responds to various defense motions, such as motions to suppress or motions to dismiss, and files preemptive motions on behalf of the city. Responds to inquiries from the general public or stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Assign tasks to support staff and successive attorneys as part of case preparation.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited university and six months of experience.

Knowledge of:; principles of criminal law, court rules and trial procedures; rules of evidence, professional conduct, and legal ethics; and computer usage and related software.

Ability to:

• use strong interpersonal skills, including working collaboratively with other prosecuting attorneys
• speak effectively in public
• exhibit proficiency in legal research and writing
• interpret various statutes and code sections
• understand relevant case law; negotiate effectively
• write legal briefs and motions skillfully
• communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
One or more years of courtroom experience in either a civil or criminal context.

Licensing And Other Requirements
Must be a licensed and active member in good standing with the Idaho State Bar, or eligible for admission to the Idaho State Bar pursuant to Idaho Bar Commission Rule 206 ("Admission Based on Practice Experience")

Valid state-issued driver's license.