About the position
Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Office seeks prosecutors dedicated to the principles of public safety, equity, honesty, and fairness. Norfolk is a busy jurisdiction of 40 prosecutors and 45 staff, with ample opportunity for gaining experience early and for working on interesting and advanced cases. The office prosecutes all felony cases and selected misdemeanors, including domestic-violence and stalking, intoxicated driving, and firearms offenses. The office believes in data-driven, evidence-based processes that promote accountability for violent crime and opportunities in other cases for rehabilitation, diversion, and restoration where possible. Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys serve under the supervision of a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney and the mentorship of two Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys and rotate through four divisions in the office, all dedicated to vertical prosecution: Two Community Prosecution Teams corresponding to the City's First and Second Police Precincts; a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Team prosecuting cases originating in that Court; and a Community Outreach Team responsible for participants in the Drug, Mental Health, Veterans Track, and Reentry Court Programs and in Virginia's first Family Justice Center.
Responsibilities
- Prepares cases for trial by reviewing case reports, identifying relevant facts, contacting necessary witnesses, and reviewing relevant state law.
- Establishes rapport with victims and witnesses, explaining the process of testifying and coordinating with Victim-Witness Advocates.
- Responds to discovery requests by preparing written responses for defense attorneys and complying with ongoing discovery obligations.
- Evaluates whether a plea offer should be tendered and negotiates plea agreements with opposing counsel.
- Conducts preliminary hearings in General District Courts and Juvenile Courts, and certain misdemeanor trials.
- Presents cases in Circuit Court, preparing opening and closing statements, performing direct and cross-examinations, and handling pre-trial and post-trial motions.
- Keeps supervisors and the office's communications director apprised of 'high profile' or difficult cases.
- Manages caseloads by keeping files updated and ensuring compliance with office policy regarding case conclusions.
- Maintains knowledge of current case law and rules of evidence by researching pertinent topics and attending training sessions.
- Manages appeals from lower courts by filling out necessary paperwork and preparing Briefs in Opposition.
- Conducts himself or herself in a professional manner at all times and engages in community events supporting the office's mission.
Requirements
- A Virginia law license in good standing at the commencement of work.
- Minimum of eight years of prior prosecution experience for Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III.
- Minimum of three years of prior prosecution experience for Assistant Commonwealth Attorney II.
- Prior experience as a public defender, criminal-defense lawyer, public interest lawyer, innocence lawyer, probation officer, police officer, or federal/state judicial law clerk preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with 'alternative' and/or 'community courts' is required.
- Strong knowledge of federal and Virginia case law relating to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
Nice-to-haves
- Prior experience with Prosecutor by Karpel, evidence.com, or other case management or digital-evidence management systems.
- Experience in briefing and arguing pretrial and post-trial motions, including motions to suppress and motions in limine.
Benefits
- Benefits and VRS retirement.
