Assistant County Attorney I - Criminal Division

Chisago County•,

20h•$106,059 - $139,659•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant County Attorney I in the Criminal Division administers and enforces Minnesota state law and local ordinances, prosecuting criminal and traffic matters in Chisago County. The attorney manages a full caseload, reviews reports for charging decisions, drafts complaints and other legal documents, conducts legal research, and represents the State in court proceedings. Cases may include misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, and other petty misdemeanors. The position exercises independent judgment while upholding state and federal laws and constitutions. It provides legal advice and direction to law enforcement, probation, social workers, and other county personnel; prepares and presents contested matters and trials; and may handle appeals, legislation, training, and ordinance-related work. The attorney is under the general supervision of the County Attorney, with assignments and work reviewed by the County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney II. The position has no direct supervisory responsibility but provides legal direction to other county personnel and support staff. This is a full-time, non-union position based at the Chisago County Government Center in Center City, Minnesota. Work is primarily in an office and courtroom, with occasional visits to county property or crime scenes. The role may require evenings, off-hours work, on-call availability, and extended hours during trials. It can involve significant time pressure and occasional exposure to hostile or potentially violent individuals.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and admission to the Minnesota Bar.
One to three years of experience as a practicing attorney; experience as a prosecutor or in criminal law or the public sector is preferred. Related experience directly connected to criminal prosecution or Minnesota’s criminal justice system may be considered in lieu of the stated attorney experience.
License to practice law in Minnesota.
Membership in good standing of the State Bar Association.
Considerable knowledge of Minnesota statutes and case law, Rules of Procedure, and Rules of Evidence.
Ability to exercise independent judgment when analyzing facts and applicable law.
Strong oral communication and legal writing skills.
Ability to present and argue cases in court, persuade, and respond to unanticipated situations or arguments.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, organize work, and prioritize in light of overall objectives.
Ability to work effectively with coworkers, other department personnel, and support staff.

Nice To Haves

Admission to practice in the federal bar.

Responsibilities

Prepare and present criminal cases in District Court involving criminal offenses and traffic matters.
Review and analyze reports and other information, apply Minnesota law and local ordinances, determine appropriate courses of action, and draft complaints, petitions, pleadings, and related documents.
Provide legal advice and direction to law enforcement officers, probation officers, social workers, and other county personnel; direct further investigation when needed.
Appear at all stages of court proceedings and make arguments or recommendations concerning bail, conditions of release, plea agreements, sentencing, and probation violations.
Prepare for and represent the State in contested matters, court trials, and jury trials.
Interview and prepare witnesses, including law enforcement, victims, lay witnesses, and expert witnesses.
Address legal issues with defense counsel, the court, and law enforcement, and draft correspondence, motions, and briefs.
Analyze legislation, case law, and other legal materials to maintain current knowledge of developments affecting the caseload.
Consult with relevant experts, analyze case information in light of office policy and ethical standards, and consider available resources and legal objectives.
Provide direction to support staff and cooperate with Victim/Witness staff.
Develop and deliver training for departments, agencies, community groups, and organizations relying on the County Attorney’s Office for legal direction.
Draft proposed ordinance or administrative procedure changes when needed to address impact or enforcement issues.
Prepare legal briefs and present and argue cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court.
Draft proposed legislation and respond to inquiries about proposed legislation upon special request.
Work cooperatively with agencies outside the county, including school districts and local youth-serving and women’s advocacy organizations.
Perform related duties as required or assigned.