ASSISTANT COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEY

Job Summary

Responsible for performing professional legal work for the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney. Work involves prosecuting persons suspected of violating State and local laws on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employees in this class prosecute criminal cases in all county courts.

Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in The Juvenile and Domestic Relations, General District and/or Circuit Courts
• Screens cases for prosecution; determines proper charges
• Performs legal research
• Locates witnesses
• Prepares case documents
• Presents cases in court
• Negotiates with defense attorneys
• Attends/participates in arraignments of defendants in criminal cases. Investigates terms and conditions of bond
• Works with Crime Victims Advocate
• Prepares legal briefs/petitions to the Appellate Court. Keeps abreast of appellate court opinions and understands their application to similar cases
• Responds to customer requests and inquiries
• Maintains current knowledge of trends, legal issues and rulings, court opinions, legal procedures, new state, and local laws, etc.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs varied clerical tasks in support of assigned duties and responsibilities, i.e., filing, copying, etc.
• Performs related duties as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Education and experience equivalent to a Juris Doctorate degree. Licensed to practice law in the State of Virginia. Special Qualifications: Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia criminal and traffic laws, Virginia criminal procedures, Virginia and Federal constitutional issues, as well as local rules of court and trial practice
• Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research, and to prepare legal briefs to trial and appellate courts
• Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, lay witnesses, and victim witnesses
• Ability to prepare and present complex cases before a trial court in a short period of time. Comprehensive working knowledge of efficient office procedures, and the ability to establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public
• Ability to present ideas and provide counsel effectively in writing and orally to professionals and lay persons. Ability to manage a large caseload
• Knowledge of computerized word processing, email communications and electronic cases

Working Conditions & Disclaimer

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Requires ability to perform coordinated movements, perceive and discriminate sounds, visual perception, and oral communication.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Essential functions are regularly performed in a Work is typically performed in an office or courtroom setting. Occasional requirement to visit major crime scene. Second-line contact with witnesses and defendants, who on occasion are rude, hostile, and angry. Daily contact is made with judges, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, other legal professionals, the general public in person, by telephone and by written communications. Considerable skill in diplomacy, tact and persuasion is necessary.

Disclaimer The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.