Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV

Butte County•Oroville, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027. This recruitment is for all levels: Deputy DA I, II, III, and IV. Applicants who have recently taken the Bar Exam and are awaiting their results are encouraged to apply. FLSA: Exempt. Under general supervision, direction, and general direction, performs professional legal duties in support of the District Attorney’s Office and the prosecution of criminal activities. Represents the District Attorney in the management of legal issues and all aspects of felony and civil prosecution in Butte County. Litigates assigned cases in courts of law, performs legal research, plans and coordinates investigations for the prosecution of legal cases, and performs related duties as assigned. This is a multi-level professional classification series in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four (4) levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity and sensitivity of assigned cases. The work may be related to prosecuting cases in a number of legal specialty areas of criminal and civil law. Positions in these classes are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower-level classification. Deputy District Attorney I: Entry level class. Incumbents learn and perform less difficult and complex misdemeanor case management and prosecution. Deputy District Attorney II: Second working level class performing professional legal work for a broader range of increasingly complex misdemeanor cases and moderately complex felony criminal cases. Deputy District Attorney III: Full journey-level classification responsible for performing the full range of professional legal work. Deputy District Attorney IV: Principal prosecutor responsible for full vertical management of assigned criminal and civil cases, handling the most complex and highest-level felony cases.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctorate.
Possession of an active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application.
Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
Knowledge of Civil and criminal law and procedures particularly as related to areas of legal specialty.
Knowledge of Practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.
Knowledge of Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Knowledge of Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.
Knowledge of Applicable state and federal laws, criminal law, constitutional law, and provisions affecting the prosecution of alleged criminals.
Knowledge of Organization and procedures of the District Attorney’s Office.
Knowledge of Pleadings and appellate court procedures.
Knowledge of Principles, methods, and techniques of legal research, legal writing, and investigation.
Knowledge of Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court.
Knowledge of Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Knowledge of Techniques for effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
Knowledge of The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to Prosecute of criminal and civil cases.
Ability to Define issues, perform legal research, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations; conduct effective negotiations.
Ability to Assess and apply criminal laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
Ability to Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
Ability to Interpret and explain legal principles and relate them to both trained legal professionals and the public.
Ability to Handle difficult situations and respond quickly to changing situations.
Ability to Prepare clear, concise, and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence, and other written material.
Ability to Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically, often times in front of large groups.
Ability to Understand, apply and interpret state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public defense activities.
Ability to Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Ability to Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to Communicate ideas and legal issues clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Ability to Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Ability to Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution, and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex misdemeanor cases is required for advancement to the level of Deputy District Attorney II.
Two (2) years of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution, and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute complex misdemeanor cases is required for advancement to the level of Deputy District Attorney III.
An additional one (1) year (a total of three (3) years) of legal experience as an attorney engaged in the practice of law in the State of California, preferably in the area of criminal prosecution, and demonstrated increased ability to prosecute the most complex and/or high penalty cases with minimal supervision is required for advancement to the level of Deputy District Attorney IV.

Responsibilities

Represents the District Attorney in prosecuting persons charged with criminal offenses; assures cases are resolved within office policy guidelines.
Drafts complaints, briefs, motions, and other legal documents; prepares memoranda of law, briefs and other filings and legal documents as required.
Performs the full range of routine to complex legal activities, involving the investigation and prosecution of routine to complex criminal or civil cases; prepares and presents cases in court.
Evaluates incoming law enforcement reports involving juvenile and adult offenders; review reports and files cases and handles all aspects of prosecution from arraignment to sentencing and through appeal.
Reviews, analyzes, and researches allegations; makes determination on the appropriate charge following receipt of the agency reports; files criminal charges; keeps victims and witnesses informed of the status of legal proceedings.
Interviews witnesses and victims; reviews and analyzes evidence, police reports, and other materials related to pending cases.
Provides direction to law enforcement and investigative personnel related to investigation of criminal offenses; provides advice as to applicable laws, court decisions, and legal authorities.
Reviews, analyzes and approves requests from law enforcement for search and arrest warrants.
Negotiates with defense counsel at pre-trial hearings regarding case disposition or modification.
Prepares and appears in court for trials, hearing, and pleadings.
Makes recommendations regarding sentencing and presents that position at sentencing and revocation hearings.
Researches law and precedents to obtain information needed to prosecute pending cases.
Performs appellate research and drafts appellate briefs, pleadings, bail recommendations, motions, and other legal documents; appears in the designated court of appeal.
Manages court calendars to ensure that cases are resolved quickly; prepares for weekly settlement conferences; conducts discussions with court staff and defense attorneys to facilitate case settlement.
Performs trial work, including jury selection, examination and cross-examination, and argument of the prosecution case.
Maintains accurate records and files, and compiles reports of work performed.
Participates in various task forces with surrounding counties.
Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on the prosecution of civil and criminal cases and recommends appropriate action.
Communicates with victims and witness to advise on the status of the case; obtain information and schedule meetings or court appearances.
Serves as a lead attorney on projects, task forces, including law enforcement training and liaison tasks, as assigned.
Performs related duties as assigned.