Assistant Misdemeanor Attorney I - District Attorney – J21240 - 35200

Nueces County•Village of Fonda, NY

10d•$77,189

About The Position

The Assistant Misdemeanor Attorney I screens cases for legal sufficiency and prepares cases for prosecution and court hearings handled by the District Attorney’s office. The attorney presents and prosecutes cases in Justice of the Peace Courts and County Courts-at-Law, and may conduct juvenile or state mental commitment hearings. The role includes criminal intake, legal research, trial preparation, witness interviews, case negotiations, and communications with parties involved in assigned cases. The employee may write appellate briefs and may assist with or review clerical and legal secretarial work related to case processing. The employee must be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies when directed by the Department Head. Attorneys use their own private vehicles for official business rather than County cars. The role does not supervise employees, but may assign and review work performed by paralegals and legal secretaries.

Requirements

J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school.
Texas State Bar license to practice law in Texas, or eligibility as a qualified unlicensed law school graduate under House Bill 424 of the 64th Legislature; an eligible unlicensed graduate must obtain a Temporary Trial Card from the State Bar of Texas within 60 days of hire.
Current Texas Operator's License.
If driving a vehicle on official business, maintain a driving record meeting County and County insurance carrier standards.
Working knowledge of judicial principles, criminal law principles, the Texas Family Code, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the Texas Penal Code, and public law.
Ability to develop research methods and perform legal research; analyze facts, procedures, and legal precedent; and present cases effectively in court and in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county employees and officials, court personnel, attorneys, and the public.
Ability to operate a computer to process and retrieve data and information.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical and legal documents; respond to inquiries or complaints; and present information effectively.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts including probability, statistical inference, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and interpret technical instructions.
Meet the position's physical demands, including occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Screen and review simple cases to determine their legal and factual sufficiency.
Seek and receive assistance with more complex matters.
Conduct investigations and negotiations to determine recommendations for court action.
Perform legal research for misdemeanor criminal prosecutions.
Prepare cases for trial, and research and brief relevant legal issues and potential appeals.
Ensure the issuance or creation of subpoenas, motions, writs, warrants, and other legal documents.
Confer with supervisors, defense attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officials, victims, witnesses, and other parties about assigned cases.
Prosecute cases before the appropriate court and/or jury, including in Justice of the Peace Courts and County Courts-at-Law.
Respond to correspondence and requests for information directed to the department.
Conduct juvenile hearings or state mental commitment hearings as needed.
Assist clerical and legal secretarial staff as needed.
Assign and review clerical and secretarial work related to assigned cases as needed.
Confer with paralegals regarding assigned cases.
Compile statistical reports.
Use a computer to process, retrieve, and disseminate information.
Interview witnesses and prepare clients for court hearings.
Write appellate briefs as needed.
Perform criminal intake, including reviewing files, interviewing complainants or victims, and conducting investigations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies as directed by the Department Head.