Assistant District Attorney

Related job titles: Attorney, Attorney at Law, Attorney General, City Attorney, Counsel, Deputy Attorney General, General Counsel, Lawyer

Occupational Code: 23-1011.00

Department: 143rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, Pecos, Texas

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Range: $37.44 - $64.50 per hour (based on qualifications)

Supervisor: District Attorney

Job Summary:

Under general direction from the elected 143rd District Attorney, this position represents the Reeves, Ward, and Loving Counties in all matters handled by the 143rd District Attorney's Office.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Screens, files, and Prosecutes felony crimes; handles assigned cases from intake through appeal.
• Evaluate cases for filing or presentation to the grand jury by reviewing police incident and investigative reports, examining physical evidence and crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, surveying criminal histories, directing additional investigation when necessary, and drafting charging instruments.
• Counsels and discusses cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses.
• Handles all necessary pre-trial matters, including plea-bargain/sentencing negotiations and evidentiary/suppression hearings.
• Prepares cases for trial by issuing subpoenas, preparing witnesses, manufacturing trial exhibits, filing all necessary motions and notices, and generating trial strategies.
• Conducts trial of cases to a jury or to the bench by selecting jury panels, presenting evidence, cross-examining opposing witnesses, and making legal arguments.
• Handles appeals by reviewing court transcripts, assessing all relevant legal issues, conducting legal research, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments to the Court of Appeals if necessary.
• Provides training for law enforcement agencies and advocate groups. Gives lectures to law enforcement, community groups, and civic organizations.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Knowledge of bond forfeitures and asset seizures and forfeitures.
• Knowledge of the methods, practices, and courtroom procedures involved in civil and criminal matters.
• Knowledge of relevant criminal and civil laws, including statutes, rules of evidence, case law, and appellate procedures.
• Knowledge of the general principles of criminal case administration and methods of criminal justice practice.
• Knowledge of 143rd District Attorney’s office regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the general methodologies and practices employed by law enforcement agencies.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting complex legal issues.
• Skill in screening and preparing cases for filing or presentation to a grand jury.
• Skill in prosecuting both misdemeanor and felony cases.
• Skill in preparing and presenting cases for appellate review.
• Skill in managing a mixed civil and criminal caseload.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other law enforcement agencies, and the public.
• Attends and participates in law enforcement TLETS training and annual continuing legal education as required by the State of Texas.

Experience and Education:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of five years as a criminal trial lawyer is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

Registration, Certification, or Licensure

• Must have a license to practice law in the State of Texas and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.