Attorney V – Criminal

Job TitleAttorney V – CriminalJob Number202200216
Department HeadCriminal District AttorneyDate OpenNovember 2, 2022
Salary Range Minimum$103,178.88-$154,768.20 AnnuallyApplication DeadlineUntil Filled

In order to be considered for employment with Hays County submit the following documents:

• Hays County Application                 • Cover Letter                      • Resume

Find Hays County Employment Applications at:

• Hays County website – www.hayscountytx.com

Education and/or Experience

  • Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a minimum of seven years’ experience prosecuting criminal cases from intake through appellate review.

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

  • License to practice law in the State of Texas

Responsibilities

  • Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor crimes committed by adults and juveniles, including jury and non-jury trials. 
  • Handles assigned cases from in-take through appeal.  
  • Plans casework, conducts arraignment proceedings, reviews physical evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares trial exhibits, files motions and briefs, negotiates pleas, selects juries, prepares jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases. 
  • Evaluates cases for presentation to the grand jury by reviewing police incident and investigation reports, reviewing criminal histories, requesting additional investigative information, interviewing and preparing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and drafting indictments.
  • Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, evidentiary suppression issues, and sentencing recommendations. 
  • Screens protective orders, negotiates resolutions, and represents applicants in hearings. 
  • Handles appeals by reviewing legal issues, conducting legal research, reviewing court transcripts, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments in appellate courts. 
  • Counsels and discusses cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses. 
  • Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases. 
  • Ensures that trial and other legal deadlines are met.
  • Some positions occasionally handle County civil work. 
  • Some positions provide training to court appointed special advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, women’s center volunteers, and/or others. 
  • Some positions handle cases before Justices of the Peace.
  • Represents the State in magistration hearings, hearings relating to emergency protective orders, and examing trials.
  • Attend hearings either remotely or in person, as required, at irregular times and dates, including weekends and some holidays relating to participation by counsel at magistration.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Summary

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below.  This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Under general direction, prosecutes felony offenses for Hays County.

Hays County is an EEO employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Hays County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks, including reference checks, criminal history, and driver’s license checks and driving history.