HOOD COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION
Department: District Attorney
Job Title: Assistant District Attorney (Trial Attorney and/or CPS Attorney)
Supervisor: District Attorney
Pay Grade: Base $75,000-DOE
Normal Workweek: 40 hours
FLSA: Exempt
Definition
To prosecute felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases in court; to negotiate charges on cases pending for trial; and to provide other legal services as required by the county.
Distinguishing Characteristics
For all areas within the scope of the District Attorney’s responsibility – screens and reviews charges in order to determine legal and factual sufficiency; investigates, prepares and prosecutes assigned cases; drafts indictments and presents cases to the Grand Jury; prepares appellate briefs and argues before appellate courts; represents the Texas Department of Child and Protective Services in child abuse and neglect cases. Performs case load/docket management and supervisory duties in the absence of the District Attorney.
Examples of Important Responsibilities and Duties Essential duties and responsibilities:
- Prosecute felony, misdemeanor and juvenile cases in court on behalf of Hood County; research courtroom evidence, summon witnesses, and negotiate pleas.
- Appear in court for Juvenile Detention hearings; discuss case resolution with Juvenile Officers and the Court.
- Discuss resolution of pending cases with opposing counsel.
- Investigate pending cases by conferring with crime victims, defendants and witnesses;
- Prepare unresolved cases for trial review files and evidence.
- Research legal questions and concerns from citizens.
- Performs legal research necessary to assist the District Attorney in the trial of felony cases and preparation of written opinions.
- Advises law enforcement officials on legal issues and policy concerning prosecution of cases.
- Represents the District Attorney’s Office in community justice projects and disseminates information to various criminal justice and community groups. Other important duties and responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Family Code.
- Modern and highly complex principles and practices of public law.
- Methods of public agency administration.
- A variety of legal terminology.
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Legal principles, practices and procedures of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law.
- Methods and techniques of legal research.
Ability to:
- Organize, interpret, and apply legal principles
- Present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically
- Prepare and present cases in court.
- Conduct research on complex legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
- Have computer skills required for retrieval of information from databases and on-line legal services.
Experience and Training Guidelines: J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school; license to practice law in Texas. One year of experience as an attorney in criminal litigation.
Working Conditions:
Environmental Conditions: Office/courtroom environment; working closely with others and alone; working irregular hours; exposure to potentially hostile individuals.
Physical Conditions: Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for a prolonged period. Hood County applications @ http://www.co.hood.tx.us/jobs.aspx Please send applications to: Hood County Personnel 1410 W. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048 817-408-3450 (F) 817-408-3452 Or [email protected] EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
“This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employee may be requested to perform other duties assigned within the scope of responsibility and requirements of the job.”