Assistant Solicitor

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to prosecute misdemeanor traffic cases in arraignments, hearings, jury trials, and bench trials.

Job Summary

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Coordinates daily work activities of investigators, trial assistants, and administrative staff; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with staff, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise.

Consults with Solicitor General or other officials to review department operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations.

Manages assigned caseload of cases; investigates, prepares, and prosecutes misdemeanor traffic cases in arraignments, hearings, jury trials, and bench trials; prosecutes cases through final disposition and through appellate courts.

Reviews case records and related documentation; reviews warrants, citations, incident reports, traffic accident reports, criminal history reports, crime laboratory reports, drug/alcohol test reports, bond orders, witness statements, and other records; interviews witnesses and victims; reviews videotapes of police actions in DUI and other cases; reviews cases with staff investigators and trial assistants.

Evaluates evidence and determines applicable crimes to charge against a defendant; lists crimes and witnesses for inclusion on criminal accusations.

Researches, prepares for, and conducts motion hearings or other court hearings.

Evaluates strengths/weaknesses of cases; determines/recommends whether to try a case or seek other sources of resolution.

Negotiates cases prior to trials; conducts plea negotiations, plea bargaining, and plea recommendations; prepares draft/written plea recommendations for negotiations with defense attorneys and presentation to court; conducts negotiations with attorneys and/or with defendants without legal representation.

Conducts jury trials and bench trials; prepares court documents, exhibits, jury charges, and opening/closing statements for jury trials; prepares witnesses for trials; determines trial strategies and determines best method of obtaining favorable resolution of cases.

Determines and prepares sentencing recommendations.

Places pleas and sentences on court records; sentences defendants on guilty pleas in court; arraigns defendants on new charges in court.

Drafts/prepares legal pleadings, briefs, court orders, bench warrant recall orders, and other court documents.

Communicates with attorneys, Judges, victims, witnesses, and other individuals regarding cases; answers questions in court from Judge, defendants, or other individuals.

Assists Clerk of Court’s office with case management; retrieves files from Clerk of Court.

Performs legal research to identify current law and changes in law, to locate case authorities or other law, to identify precedents, or to locate other information; conducts research of law library, electronic data sources, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, legal documents, legal pleadings, briefs, court orders, bench warrant recall orders, plea recommendations, opening/closing statements, court documents, jury charges, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, warrants, citations, criminal history reports, crime laboratory reports, witness statements, depositions, briefs, bond orders, court calendars, court orders, legal documents, laws, statutes, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, case management, legal research, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Judges, court personnel, attorneys, defendants, victims, witnesses, jurors, law enforcement personnel, government agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction.

Attends meetings and makes presentations as needed.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities; attends bar meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate required; member of the Georgia Bar Association; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving general law practice, municipal prosecution, courtroom procedures, legal research, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain valid State Bar of Georgia Law License.