Deputy District Attorney I (Open Until Filled)
Deputy District Attorneys are appointed by the District Attorney to represent the State of Oregon by upholding State and Federal law in reviewing, preparing, and prosecuting adult and juvenile criminal cases in Crook County.
I. Distinguishing Characteristics and Essential Functions:
The Deputy District Attorney I assists the District Attorney in performing all of the functions of the District Attorney’s Office, including but not limited to, arraignments, release hearings, restitution hearings, plea and sentencing hearings, probation and revocation hearings, contempt hearings, civil commitment hearings, juvenile hearings, child support hearings, civil forfeiture proceedings, and jury trials. This is the entry-level classification. DDA I attorneys will spend the majority of their work time on the prosecution of misdemeanor adult cases and juvenile cases, based on their assigned caseload. Deputies at this level may be assigned more serious cases with supervision as they improve skills and knowledge. This is a flexibly staffed classification whereby incumbents may be promoted to the next level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience by demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level classification as determined by standards set by the District Attorney’s Office.
- Number of Employees reporting to this position: 0
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
*This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function. It is not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the assigned department. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.
- Represent the State of Oregon as a trial lawyer in the prosecution of adult and juvenile criminal actions in Circuit Court. The DDA I assists the District Attorney in performing the functions of the District Attorney, including, but not limited to, grand jury, arraignments, release hearings, restitution hearings, plea/sentencing hearings, probation and revocation hearings, contempt, civil commitments, juvenile and child support hearings, and jury trials.
- Primary caseload will include misdemeanor adult cases, juvenile cases, child support enforcement, and traffic offenses. May be assigned greater responsibilities, including special case assignments and opportunities to appear at Grand Jury and handle felony criminal cases.
- Perform case intake, which includes reviewing police reports, determining if further investigation is needed and determining which charges, if any, will be filed and against whom; files charges by Information or Indictment on behalf of the District Attorney in accordance with the facts, laws, and office policy.
- Participate in crime scene investigations when called out by law enforcement; review crime scenes and advise on seizure of evidence; assist investigators with search warrant affidavits.
- Prepare motions, orders, memoranda, diversion agreements, and search/arrest warrants with supporting affidavits.
- Negotiate potential case resolutions with defense counsel/defendants as appropriate, in accordance with facts, laws and office policies.
- Present evidence and argument in accordance to the law and office policies at arraignments, release hearings, motions hearings, trials, and grand jury proceedings.
- Perform other business duties as assigned.
III. Competencies:
Knowledge and Skills:
- Thorough knowledge of criminal and civil laws and the practices and procedures of criminal prosecution.
- Thorough knowledge of courtroom and trial procedures, rules of evidence, and professional responsibility and ethics.
- Thorough knowledge of judicial and administrative proceedings, statutes, detention, arrest, search and seizure, self-incrimination, right to counsel.
- Techniques of persuasion
- Laws and procedures of extradition.
- Legal research procedures and methods
- Principles and techniques of negotiation; sentencing guidelines; police investigation techniques; professional responsibility and ethics.
- Working knowledge of principles and practices of criminal law; rules of evidence; rules and caselaw relating to grand jury proceedings, criminal proceedings; other criminal procedures and prosecutorial immunity and liability.
- Basic principles of forensics, principles of psychology and psychiatry related to criminal behavior, law relating to forfeiture of property by felons.
- Skill in business software programs along with Microsoft Office products.
- Analyze and organize facts, evidence, and other case documentation; research, analyze and prepare legal documents; develop effective strategies and legal pleadings; effectively and persuasively present facts, evidence, precedents and recommendations to judges and juries.
- Provide accurate and practical legal advice
- Obtain cooperation from young, reluctant and/or traumatized crime victims.
- Negotiate, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, law enforcement, court personnel, prosecuting and defense attorneys and the public.
Ability to:
- Think conceptually and get to the heart of a problem.
- Analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and reach logical and ethical conclusions.
- Work both independently and as a team.
- Effectively and persuasively present facts, evidence, precedents and recommendations in Court.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Interpret applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, court staff, county officials and the general public.
- Make effective decisions under stress, meet deadlines and multitask.
- Represent the policies, goals and priorities of the elected District Attorney in interactions with team members, criminal justice partners, and the community.
IV. Qualifications:
- Education – Law Degree from an accredited law school.
- Must be a member in good standing with the Oregon State Bar.
- Experience-prior prosecution experience preferred.
- Current Oregon driver’s license.
- Prior to or on date of hire:
- Able to complete a thorough employment and/or criminal history check.
- Able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts.
- Must remain licensed by the Oregon State Bar to practice law in the State of Oregon at the time of hire, remain active with all State Bar annual requirements, and maintain a clear criminal record.
V. Position Details:
- The duties outlined in this job description are not all inclusive and additional duties and tasks will be assigned as required.
- Work location is 260 NW Second Street, Prineville, OR
- Work environment:
- Work is performed in a standard office and courtroom environment. Night and weekend work may be required. Responding to crime scenes may be required.
- Fair Labor Standards Classification: Exempt
- Crook County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause.