Senior or Chief Deputy District Attorney - Elbert County bei Douglas County Government (CO), CO

About the Department

Performs a variety of professional legal, docket management and supervisory functions to intake and prosecute felony offenses in the 23rd Judicial District. Reviews, prepares, and tries criminal cases, provides related legal advice to law enforcement agencies.  Performs related legal research and writing.  Work involves cases and duties requiring an advanced level of experience and ability.  Assumes responsibilities on behalf of the Chief Deputy District Attorney (in conjunction with -or in the absence of- the Chief Deputy).  Participates in policy level decisions regarding office functions.  May prepare and present cases for grand jury.  May lead teams as designated by the Chief Deputy, Assistant District Attorney, or District Attorney.

Senior Deputy District Attorney: View the full job description here
Chief Deputy District Attorney: View the full job description here

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (The following essential job functions and examples of duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive; positions assigned to this class may not perform all of the duties listed.)
 
Prepares criminal matters for and represents the State at trial, appeal, and related hearings; may have primary responsibility in areas of felony case assignment. Screens criminal complaints brought the District Attorney’s attention by private citizens and/or law enforcement personnel. Assists the Chief Deputy, District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney in preparing or trying criminal or quasi-criminal cases and in administrative matters, when so requested.
 
Interviews persons having pertinent information and conducts investigations to gather information necessary for criminal actions. Presents cases to and questions witnesses before the grand jury; prepares criminal indictments and subpoenas witnesses as directed by the grand jury.
 
Provides legal assistance and advice to law enforcement agencies in criminal matters; is available on-call at specified times for such advice and assistance. Acts as team lead of any designated team.
 
Reviews, prepares pleadings, negotiates and tries court cases. Conducts legal research necessary for case preparation and or office management to broaden legal background; keeps abreast of case law and legislation affecting state criminal laws.
 
Presents and advocates prosecution case at trial; interviews witnesses to ascertain their testimony; as applicable, conducts voir dire of jury candidates and accepts or excuses jurors in light of perceived positions relevant to the victim, defendant, crime charged, and/or facts of the case; prepares and presents opening statement to provide finder of fact with overview of case theory and supporting evidence; conducts direct and re-direct examination of prosecution witnesses to introduce physical and testimonial evidence to prove elements of crime(s) charged beyond a reasonable doubt within necessary foundations; offers objections to defense questions and statements to protect witnesses from abuse and/or to prevent introduction of irrelevant or inadmissible evidence; advocates prosecution position in response to defense objections and/or court rulings to preserve an appellate record; conducts cross-examination of defense witnesses to scrutinize and/or impeach their testimony; prepares jury instructions and advocates prosecution position to the  defense and court to negotiate final version; prepares and presents closing and rebuttal arguments to review evidence and advocate for conviction.
 
Researches and responds to a wide variety of defense motions, e.g. suppression of statements/evidence, motions in limine, request for sanctions for violation of procedural rules, etc.  Researches, prepares, and presents motions on behalf of the people, e.g. amend charges, add charges, 404(b) similar transactions, child hearsay, motions in limine, etc.  Researches, prepares, and presents briefs to the Court advocating the People's position regarding legal issues raised during motions practice. 
 
Acts in an on-call (after hours) capacity to respond to police inquiries regarding search and seizure, probable cause to arrest, non-testimonial identification items, and related legal issues; reviews affidavits for probable cause for arrest and search warrants; contacts on-call judge to arrange time for affiant to sign affidavit in judge's presence.
 
May respond to crime scenes as requested, to offer suggestions to police regarding scope of investigation and preservation of evidence.  Prepares correspondence in instances where out of court communication requires documentation, e.g. advising defense of exculpatory evidence, requests to filing detective for further investigation.
 
Attends monthly training meetings; may prepare and present lectures to attorneys on a variety of legal issues related to felony prosecution.  May make presentations to schools and community groups to explain the functional aspects of the legal system and/or current issues related to felony matters.
 
Performs other duties as assigned.  

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from law school as provided under Rule 205.1 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. 
Five (5) years at the Deputy District Attorney level (or related equivalent governmental criminal prosecution experience). 
A combination of experience and education may be considered.


CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: 
Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado. 

Attainment of an overall satisfactory performance rating as county court and district court attorney. Work in the class is accomplished through the application of legal theory, applicable state statutes, and broadly defined case settlement guidelines to a variety of case facts and circumstances and requires considerable legal and factual analysis on a diversity of issues.  Understands the state requirements with respect to victims’ rights, pursuant to statute and applicable case law. 

This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.

Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.

Other Qualifications

For more information on job functions, requirements and to apply please visit: 
Sr. Deputy District Attorney - Elbert County: https://douglasco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/2996?c=douglasco&sq=req2996
Chief Deputy Deputy District Attorney - Elbert County: https://douglasco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/3003?c=douglasco&sq=req3003

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision.
For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.