Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I-III

County of Kittitas • Ellensburg, WA

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Kittitas County Prosecutor's Office is seeking experienced Deputy Prosecutors to handle a felony caseload. This position is responsible for criminal prosecutions in Kittitas County. Deputy Prosecutors in the Criminal Division are often called to crime scenes and routinely work closely with investigators to provide advice and assistance with legal procedures such as obtaining search warrants or authorizations to intercept and record conversations. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recognizes that the effects of crime can be profound and recovering from a crime can take time. We believe that victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the Washington State Bar.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, common law, case law, and procedural rules.
• Valid WSBA number/license
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to: Set priorities; work with law enforcement, other criminal justice personnel and clerical personnel; follow the rules of court; maintain professionalism; and provide service to the public on a daily basis.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the qualifications stated below at the discretion of the Elected Prosecutor.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• A criminal history and background check to include fingerprinting will be performed on qualified candidates.
• 0 – 5 years of experience as a licensed attorney (for Deputy Prosecutor I)
• 5 – 10 years of experience as a licensed attorney (for Deputy Prosecutor II)
• 10 or more years of experience as a licensed attorney (for Deputy Prosecutor III)

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with limited experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Responsible and carry out any or all the following duties of Deputy Prosecutor as directed and assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and/or Division Chief
• Consult on a frequent basis with all attorneys in the office by being available for questions and providing guidance or feedback for other DPAs as appropriate; attend weekly attorney meetings.
• Work on special projects as assigned or as deemed appropriate.
• Read and become familiar with current laws and maintain proficiency with any changes in the law (statutory, admin, and/or caselaw).
• Provide information and expertise as requested by community groups or classes.
• Understand and follow all office polices.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with all office staff.
• Maintain an accurate calendar (using Outlook) with court appearances, scheduled training, and any time out of the office (sick, vacation, meetings).
• Communicate clearly and frequently with Division Chief about performance expectations, goals, and work habits.
• Prosecute crimes within the county (felony and misdemeanor), within Superior Court (including Juvenile cases), and District Court as assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and or Division Chief.
• Review search warrants and other law enforcement generated investigative documents, advising on necessary changes and additions.
• Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested; advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases; take “on call” weeks to be available to answer law enforcement questions 24/7.
• Meet with and be accountable to members of the community regarding criminal prosecutions.
• Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, referred back to LE for further investigation, or declined.
• Draft legal pleadings that are detailed, accurate, and professional including Informations and/or Criminal Complaints, Jury Instructions, Trial Briefs, Motions in Limine, Probable Cause statements, etc.
• Identify witnesses and evidence in each case and contact/interview victims and witnesses before trials; work with legal assistants and victim witness personnel to provide complete discovery to defense.
• Prepare pre-trial motions and perform necessary legal research for drafting pre-trial, trial, and post-trial memoranda and briefs for the court.
• Respond to defense motions with legal research and argument.
• Perform as a trial litigator, including being able to: Prepare for direct and cross-examination of witnesses, including further consultations with police, and research on witness backgrounds.
• Prepare opening statements and closing arguments, bearing in mind voluminous court cases which pertain to the allowable content of such statements and arguments.
• Select juries who will be fair and impartial and base their verdicts on evidence.
• Be prepared for making and meeting objections as they occur.
• Know and be able to use the rules of evidence and the foundational requirements for any physical or testimonial evidence sought to be introduced in court by either side.
• Consult with victims regarding their input into plea bargaining decisions or sentencing in cooperation with victim/witness personnel.
• Correctly apply the various rules of the sentencing reform act to determine the presumptive range for criminal offenses, and take steps to ensure that adequate documentation of criminal history is available.
• Make appropriate recommendations for sentencing and be able to defend those recommendations in court.
• Work with probation officers and department of corrections personnel to come up with appropriate responses to probation violations.
• Present probation violation testimony as needed and argue for the position of the State.
• Draft appeals of pre-trial rulings as appropriate.
• Respond to defendant’s appeals or personal restraint or habeas corpus petitions, performing all necessary legal research and writing of legal briefs.
• Argue appeals at the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and/or the Supreme Court.
• Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys through written, in person, telephonic, and e-mail means.
• Advise all County boards and commissioners on County civil issues.
• Advise all County Elected Officials and their offices regarding County government civil issues.
• Advise all Department Heads and their departments regarding County government civil issues.
• Represent the Prosecutor’s Office at public meetings and executive sessions.
• Review and evaluate County contracts and forms for legality and recommend changes when necessary.
• Prepare and/or evaluate drafts of proposed resolutions and ordinances.
• Research civil and legal issues on behalf of County boards, commissions, and departments.
• Initiate and process appropriate County civil court actions and appeals on behalf of the County in state or federal court and represent the County in all proceedings related to such legal actions.
• Appear and represent the County in civil court actions and appeals brought against the County in state and federal court and represent the County in all proceedings related to such lawsuits.
• Respond to public disclosure requests made to the Prosecutor’s Office and assist boards, commissions, and other departments in the processing of their public disclosure requests.
• May be designated as County Claims Administrator.
• Responsible for coverage for all Deputy Prosecutors in their primary area of assignment.
• Perform all other tasks as may be required in the interests of the office or in the interests of justice.

Benefits

• Base medical, dental, and vision insurance covered in full for employees and their eligible family members.
• 11 paid legal holidays
• Vacation and sick leave
• Bereavement leave
• FMLA
• Washington State Paid Family & Medical Leave
• Student loan forgiveness is available under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement benefits are provided through the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level