COUNTY OF ATASCOSA
ASST. COUNTY ATTORNEY – CRIMINAL
PAY RANGE: up to $125,000 annual salary of county-funded base salary combined with S.B.22 supplemental grant funding based on qualifications and experience. The position is available until it is filled.
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
The Assistant County Attorney provides legal representation for Atascosa County in the prosecution of misdemeanor cases and juvenile offenses in the County Court at Law and Juvenile Court.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES / FUNCTIONS:
Essential duties/functions, may include but are not limited to the following:
• Case Intake and Review for Filing of County Court Misdemeanor Class A and B and Juvenile Felony and Misdemeanor cases.
• Attend and prosecute cases on the docket in County Court at Law, Juvenile Court, District Court (Juvenile Cases certified and transferred to District Court) and handle pre-trial hearings and trials with minimal assistance from the County Attorney. Confer with defense attorneys to schedule hearings and trials and for plea negotiations to achieve a satisfactory resolution of assigned cases on the weekly dockets.
• 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 assisting in obtaining protective orders. Assist in preparing for hearings and presenting evidence to obtain protective orders.
• Read, research, and interpret applicable law to assist in determining strategies and evaluating probable outcomes of cases.
• Attend meetings and other organizational functions with partner agencies and stakeholders on behalf of the County Attorney’s Office as directed by the County Attorney.
• If necessary, periodically assist the County Attorney in the prosecution of civil matters and regulatory infractions as well as other with civil matters, commissioners court, government code, employment law, contracts, and other matters as assigned, based on legal background and experience.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS)
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of:
• Criminal law and procedures;
• Proficient in electronic legal research;
• High level of integrity, professional demeanor and 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 as part of a team of 4 prosecutors;
• As requested by the County Attorney, may be asked to provide guidance and training to others on correct application of laws, court orders, regulations, and procedures to specific situations.
• Communicate in person, by telephone, and electronically, and interact in a courteous, respectful, and effective manner.
• Operate office equipment, including computer, copier, and scanner, and case management software in an effective and professional manner, electronic communication, and word processing.
• 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 moral, ethical, and professional conduct in keeping with the high calling of a prosecutor. Strong work 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 other 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
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) CJIS security clearance.
• No experience necessary, will provide Training Program.
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS and SCHEDULES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):
Location of this position is in the Atascosa County Justice Center Annex which consists of a normal office environment with heat and air conditioning with an assigned office but in a multi-person work area.
The position requires significant contact with the public, crime victims, witnesses, persons accused/convicted of crimes, opposing attorneys, law enforcement officers, community supervision and corrections officers, and other courthouse and county personnel, department heads and elected officials, and partner agencies.
Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday 40 hours per week, may be required to work more than 40 hours occasionally based on business or court schedule. In person work attendance is essential. Occasional remote work may be available upon approval in advance by the County Attorney. Will be required to attend job related seminars, conferences, and/or training. Attendance could require out of town travel with/without overnight stay.
Must follow and comply with County Attorney’s Office Policy and Procedures as well as applicable Atascosa County Personnel Handbook Policy and Procedures for all county employees.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Submit Letter of Interest and Resume to molly.solis@acao-tx.org
Successful applicants will required to submit an application which can be downloaded from the Atascosa County “Employment Opportunities” link select View Application Employment – Atascosa County
Atascosa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A background check will be required of selected applicant. New or rehired potential employees will be required to provide documentary proof of their eligibility for employment.