Closing Date: 5th April, 2024
Description:
Summary:Under general direction, is responsible for preparation of all aspects relating to criminal felony cases and or appeals; advises trial prosecutors.
Position is excluded from Civil Service
This position is assigned to magistration at the Justice Intake & Assessment Annex (JIAA) and operates overnight from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Reviews more complex criminal or child protection cases or appeals for factual and legal sufficiency, requests investigations, and drafts the required documents for legal disposition
- Represents the State of Texas in criminal, juvenile, and civil cases, before judges and juries, and litigates appeals
- Advises trial prosecutors with case strategies, evidentiary strength assessment, and legal research information
- Contacts and/or interviews victims, witnesses, defense attorneys, investigators, experts, and law enforcement personnel regarding restitution, plea bargains, punishment issues, and to prepare for trial
- Researches statutes and case law issues and performs computer assisted research regarding criminal histories and case status
- Organizes pre-hearing and trial dockets requiring witness appearance coordination and negotiating plea bargains
- Uses basic and advance software and programs utilized to manage caseloads and related information
- Dictates, edits, and updates legal documents prepared by the clerical and paralegal staff
- Maintains responsibility for discovery compliance
- Maintains responsibility for Court operations in the absence of the Prosecutor V
- Supervises Prosecutor IIIs, Misdemeanor Prosecutors, Paralegals, Advocates and Interns, and office support staff when required
- If assigned to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Division: prepares and prosecutors child protection cases; reviews requests for removals and other legal actions, including after hours; and prepares DFPS related Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Trainings
- Performs related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence and four (4) years prosecution experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
- Depending on the assignment, considerable knowledge of criminal prosecution or civil procedures and techniques; ability to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards expected of an attorney representing the State of Texas.
- Skill in plea bargaining and negotiation; skill in organizing and presenting facts and supporting logic; skill to ascertain factual information from conflicting or purposely inaccurate data; skill to communicate effectively with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals; skill to communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to supervise employees to create and maintain an effective team environment; ability to establish and maintain professional, effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, attorneys, law enforcement officers, DFPS staff, and the public in routine and highly stressful situations; ability to develop effective and persuasive oral and written advocacy skills and assist other in achieving the same; ability to operate personal computer and basic office equipment, develop proficiency in basic and advance software and programs utilized to manage caseloads and related information.
- Must have valid Texas driver's license, motor vehicle liability insurance and personal injury insurance; or have a self-reliant source of transportation to conduct business daily.
- Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance.
- Must clear a pre-employment physical
- May be required to work more than 40 hours during the work week.
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
- Generally working indoors or in an office environment
- Occasionally moves items weighing up to 10 pounds
- Occasionally moves about the office
- Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information
- Generally, operates a computer and other office productivity machinery and software
- Positions self to perform essential functions
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position
