Assistant County Attorney- Criminal

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: The Assistant County Attorney provides legal representation for Atascosa County in the prosecution of misdemeanor cases and juvenile offenses, all criminal cases in the County Court, all prosecution in the Justice Courts to include Education Code cases and representing victims in protective order hearings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / FUNCTIONS: Essential duties/functions, under the supervision of the County Attorney, may include but are not limited to the following:

• Review offense reports to determine whether the facts as alleged amount to violation of law, and if so, the proper charges to be filed. Evaluate available evidence and determine if there is sufficient credible evidence to prove the commission of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. If it is determined that evidence is adequate, with assistance of staff, prepare and file the proper charges in the court with jurisdiction. If it is determined that evidence is insufficient, work with the appropriate law enforcement agency to assemble evidence, or with concurrence of the County Attorney, dismiss the case or file charges for a lesser included offense as appropriate.

• Attend court sessions for pre-trial hearings and trials, assisting the County Attorney as required and directed. Communicate with defense attorneys to schedule hearings and trials and assist the County Attorney in negotiations with defense attorneys to achieve a satisfactory resolution of assigned cases.

• Assist the County Attorney in trial of Class A and B misdemeanors, and juvenile misdemeanors and felonies, including working with the juvenile probation department. Prosecute traffic offenses and other class C misdemeanors and Education Code violations in Justice Courts.

• Work with and meet with law enforcement officers, witnesses, and others to review case files, evaluate, and assemble evidence, and prepare for hearings and trials.

• Meet with victims of family violence, law enforcement and victim’s assistance personnel to review evidence, and determine if there is sufficient credible evidence to proceed with obtaining protective orders. With assistance of staff, prepare and file pleadings to request issuance of protective orders. As directed by the County Attorney, either assist in preparing for hearings and presenting evidence to obtain protective orders or prepare for hearings and present evidence to obtain protective orders.

• Read, research, and interpret applicable law to assist in determining strategies and evaluating probable outcomes of cases.

• Attends meetings and other organizational functions on behalf of the County Attorney’s Office as directed by the County Attorney.

• Assist the County Attorney in preparing cases appeals, motions, briefs, discovery compliance and other related court documents.

• Assist the County Attorney as assigned with civil matters, commissioners court, government code, employment law, contracts, and other matters as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS) The ideal candidate will have knowledge of:

• Criminal law and procedures;

• County orders, policies, and procedures;

• Proficient in electronic legal research;

• Extremely high integrity, professional demeanor and demonstrates proper respect for the court at all times.

• Exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in uncertain, highly stressful situations.

• Read, understand, interpret, and apply information contained in statutes, court decisions, briefs, and opinions.

• Must have the ability to analyze facts and case precedents and present them effectively in court;

• Must have the ability to manage a heavy docket of active cases and consistently satisfy deadlines in the face of competing time demands;

• Provide guidance to others on correct application of laws, court orders, regulations, and procedures to specific situations.

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to permit comprehension by others.

• Understand and correctly exchange information with supervisor and co-workers when giving and receiving assignments and instructions.

• Communicate in person, by telephone, and electronically, and interact in a courteous, respectful, and effective manner with the public, judges, jurors, court personnel, elected and appointed officials of the County, City, State, and law enforcement agencies, and any other organizations providing services or support to crime victims and the County Attorney’s Office.

• Defend and enforce the laws of the United States of America and the State of Texas. * Promote the fair, impartial and expeditious pursuit of justice.

• Maintain always, moral, ethical, and professional conduct in keeping with the high calling of a prosecutor. Strong ethic with a commitment to ethical prosecution.

• Must be able to demonstrate these skills and perform these and other essential functions with minimal direction from the County Attorney.

• Perform related duties / functions as may be required or as assigned by the County Attorney.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor Degree.

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing.

• Must consent to and pass criminal background check and drug screening.

• SECURITY REQUIREMENT - Must be able to obtain and maintain a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) CJIS security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Minimum of two (2) years of experience as an assistant county or district attorney, city attorney, or other governmental attorney with experience in areas related to the job duties.

• Bilingual

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000