Deputy Attorney General II/III

Section:                              Criminal Prosecutions Section/Criminal Law Division 

Class:                                  Deputy Attorney General II/III

Location:                             Philadelphia 

Telework:                            Limited ad-hoc telework opportunities available with supervisor approval and based on business need 

Position Type:                    Full-time, Non-civil service, Non-union

Work Hours:                       8:30 – 5:00

Salary Range:                    DAG II: Pay Range 9 – Starting salary of $75,208

                                            DAG III: Pay Range 10 – Starting salary of $85,966

Basic Function

This Deputy Attorney General (DAG) position is an advanced prosecutor position with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General with a critical, high-impact role within the Criminal Law Division. The position is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting major crimes occurring within the county of first class (Philadelphia) Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to ensure public safety for commuters and transit personnel across one of the nation’s largest public transit networks.

The position involves direct engagement with SEPTA police, various local and federal law enforcement agencies, and criminal investigators while leading the prosecution of cases ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. The DAG will oversee cases such as homicide, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, theft, robberies, and/or weapons and handgun offenses. In this function, a DAG’s seasoned selection of cases will be as important as experience in a broad range of criminal cases. 

The assigned attorney is responsible for all phases of prosecution including arrest charging decisions, arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial conferences, pretrial motions and hearings, trials (bench and jury), posttrial motions and hearings, and sentencing hearings. The attorney is also responsible for maintaining contact with victims throughout the aforementioned stages of proceedings. An intimate knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure is necessary to perform these duties. As a Deputy Attorney General II (DAG II) gains experience, work increases in complexity and is performed with more independence while a Deputy Attorney General III (DAG III) will work independently on most matters.

Key Responsibilities

Criminal Prosecution and Case Management

• Leads investigations and prosecutes a broad spectrum of serious crimes, including but not limited to:
  • Violent Crimes: Homicides, aggravated assaults, armed robberies, attempted murders, and domestic violence cases occurring within the SEPTA transit system
  • Sex Crimes: Sexual assaults and cases involving exploitation within public transit
  • Gun Crimes: Illegal firearm possession, firearm trafficking, and violent offenses involving firearms
  • Drug & Narcotics Offenses: Narcotic possession, distribution, and/or intent to deliver within transit hubs
  • Organized Crime & Public Corruption: Investigates and prosecutes organized theft rings, corruption cases, and fraudulent activities linked to transit operations
  • Cyber & Financial Crimes: Fraudulent transactions, identity theft, electronic crimes related to transit fare evasion schemes, and financial exploitation
  • Hate Crimes & Terroristic Threats: Prosecutes racially motivated crimes, threats to public safety, and domestic terrorism cases affecting public transportation security
• Collaborates with the SEPTA Transit Police, FBI, ATF, Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies on multi-jurisdictional cases involving Philadelphia County interstate related crimes and terrorism threats to transit system
• Conducts charging decisions, grand jury presentations, trial preparation, and litigation strategy development for complex cases
• Handles all stages of the criminal process, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial motions, bench and jury trials, posttrial motions, and sentencing hearings

Example of Duties

• Communicates and coordinates with SEPTA police and all law enforcement agencies involved in investigating crimes within the public transit authority
• Reviews investigations and cases to determine which cases shall be pursued for prosecution by the Special Prosecutor with assistance from detectives, analysts, and/or criminal investigators
• Directs investigations determining what investigative steps to take and investigative tools to use to achieve an appropriate/just investigative outcome
• Monitors investigations, assessing progress and adjusting investigative strategies when needed
• Keeps supervisor informed of the progress and potential outcome of investigations and prosecutions
• Determines whether to pursue prosecutions with police officers, detectives, and agents with superior’s consultation
• Represents the Commonwealth post arrest and throughout all stages of the criminal prosecution including arraignments
• Works closely with forensic analysts, criminal investigators, and federal task forces to develop case strategies and ensure proper evidence collection
• Provides legal guidance to SEPTA Transit Police regarding criminal statutes, search and seizure laws, arrest procedures, and use-of-force incidents
• Answers routine correspondence
• Assists in drafting periodic reports on the work and quantitative results of the Special Prosecutor
• Performs additional and related work as required.

Victim Advocacy and Community Engagement

• Ensures regular contact with victims throughout all legal proceedings, advocating for their rights and ensuring appropriate restitution
• Works alongside victim services units to provide trauma-informed legal support for victims of violent crimes including sexual assault survivors and victims of hate crimes

Represents the Office of Attorney General in public safety forums, community outreach events, and legal training sessions for law enforcement agencies

Deputy Attorney General II:

 

• Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work

• Two to five years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal litigation work or criminal prosecution preferred

Deputy Attorney General III:

 

Deputy Attorney General II:

 

• Strong courtroom experience, including jury trials, motion hearings, and evidentiary proceedings
• Knowledge of state and federal criminal laws, sentencing guidelines, and investigative techniques
• Ability to manage multiple high-profile cases simultaneously while maintaining strict ethical standards

Deputy Attorney General III:

 

• Experience prosecuting violent crimes, organized crime, white-collar fraud, or drug trafficking offenses
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior attorneys and investigators in best practices for criminal casework

Salary : $75,208 - $85,966