Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I

Grays Harbor County•Montesano, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is seeking a motivated and qualified Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney to prosecute District Court cases. Under the direction of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Deputy may handle cases in District, Juvenile, or Superior Court, including bench and jury trials involving felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and violations in Grays Harbor County. Depending on assignment, the role may also include legal research and opinions for County officials, preparation and review of County legal documents, and civil litigation in Superior Court, administrative hearings, or appellate courts. Appointment and position requirements are in accordance with RCW 36.27.040. The Criminal Deputy exercises charging and sentencing discretion under supervision of the Chief Criminal Deputy or designee. The position reviews criminal investigations referred by law enforcement, makes charging decisions, conducts additional investigations when needed, and presents matters to judicial officers and juries. The Deputy must prepare for and participate in court proceedings, negotiate cases, prepare witnesses and exhibits, advise victims and witnesses of their rights, and provide legal guidance to law enforcement during investigations. The position may assist the Prosecuting Attorney and other deputies and may take part in other office functions. The position is primarily performed in an office and courtroom environment. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, speaking, reading, and hand and finger dexterity. The work may require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and a negligible amount constantly. The stated physical demands must be met with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Graduation from a recognized and accredited law school or completion of the Rule 9 Law Clerk Program.
Admission to the Washington State Bar and membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
Licensed attorney in the State of Washington.
Knowledge of Washington traffic, juvenile, criminal, and civil laws, including related local statutes, ordinances, case law, and procedures.
Knowledge of justice and superior court rules and procedures, judicial procedure, rules of evidence, and basic techniques for preparing traffic and criminal cases.
Knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and principles, methods, and practices of legal research and investigation.
Ability to conduct basic legal research and present evidence in criminal trials or civil litigation.
Ability to provide positive and effective customer service and maintain effective working relationships with staff, County departments and employees, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public.
Ability to evaluate the legal sufficiency of cases, prepare charges, conduct legal research and factual investigations, draft and file legal documents, negotiate case resolutions, and prosecute cases in court.

Responsibilities

Review criminal investigations referred by law enforcement and make decisions about whether to file charges and which charges to file.
Conduct additional investigations as necessary and prosecute criminal matters.
Present matters before judicial officers and juries, and respond to appeals when needed.
Prepare for and conduct first appearances, arraignments, omnibus hearings, motions, pleas, trials, and juvenile hearings.
Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys through written, in-person, telephone, or email communication.
Prepare lay and expert witness testimony, exhibits, and legal issues for hearings and trials.
Advise victims and witnesses of their rights and ensure fair treatment within the criminal justice system.
Advise law enforcement agencies during investigations; prepare search warrants; prepare and file criminal complaints or informations; and prepare and file probation-revocation petitions and obtain arrest warrants.
Screen and evaluate the factual and legal basis for misdemeanor, felony, and child-support cases; request further investigation when needed; and prepare charges for filing.
Prepare for hearings and trials by interviewing relevant witnesses and victims, researching the law, and investigating facts.
Draft, prepare, and file legal documents; evaluate cases for disposition; and participate in plea and other negotiations.
Prosecute offenders in court, conduct courtroom and administrative proceedings, and determine trial strategy and the presentation of evidence and witnesses.
Handle appellate cases, including transcript review, responses to appellate arguments, brief writing, and oral arguments.
Answer questions and provide information to state agencies, the public, victims, and others about legal principles and court processes.
Remain current on laws, regulations, and procedures.
As assigned, advise and assist County departments, boards, elected officials, and agencies, including reviewing and drafting contracts, correspondence, and resolutions.
As assigned, litigate civil matters for the County, including trial or hearing preparation, drafting pleadings and motions, interviewing witnesses, developing litigation strategies, and presenting oral arguments.
Assist the Prosecuting Attorney and other deputies and perform other duties of a similar nature as assigned.