Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

Overview

Under general supervision, performs professional legal work prosecuting criminal suspects on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Work involves performing legal research in the preparation of criminal trials; prosecuting jury and non-jury trials in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases and/or negotiating settlements; and preparing Appellate Court and other legal briefs, as necessary. Employee is also responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to public officials, law enforcement officials, victims of crime and the general public.

Employee must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in determining the proper course of action in a variety of legal cases and situations. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy and discretion in frequent contact with crime victims, suspects, law enforcement and judicial officials, public officials, and the general public. Reports to the Commonwealth s Attorney and/or a Deputy Commonwealth s Attorney.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

• Prepares misdemeanor and felony cases for trial, including, but not limited to, negotiating plea agreements, conferring with witnesses and law enforcement and performing legal research.
• Presents cases in court, argues appropriate motions, and recommends sentences to judicial personnel.
• Prepares legal briefs to the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Virginia Supreme Court.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to public officials, law enforcement and the general public.
• Screens cases for prosecution.
• Represents the Commonwealth of Virginia in drug asset forfeiture proceedings.
• Represents the Commonwealth of Virginia in petitions for the restoration of drivers  licenses.
• Prosecutes cases in other jurisdictions as a special prosecutor when those jurisdictions have a conflict of interest that prevents their office from prosecuting a case.
• Conducts preliminary hearings, bench trials, jury trials, sentencing hearings, and revocation hearings.
• Meets with witnesses and crime victims to prepare for trial.
• Conducts preliminary and transfer hearings, as necessary.
• May be responsible for writing the VSTOP Domestic Violence grant and preparing quarterly and final reports.
• May facilitate local domestic violence task force meetings and attend regional task force meetings; may act as member of VSTOP State Team board and attend quarterly meetings; and police officer training.
• Performs legal research and prepares memorandums of law pertaining to assigned criminal cases.
• Synthesizes and integrates analysis of data or information to discover facts and develop knowledge or interpretations; changes policies, procedures, or methodologies based on new facts, knowledge or interpretations.
• Negotiates, exchanging ideas, information and opinions, with other to formulate policy and programs or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions.
• Interprets policy as legal counsel and responsible for achieving major economies or preventing major losses.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Juris Doctorate degree and 3 years of experience in the practice of criminal law preferred or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skill, knowledge and ability.
• License to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Knowledge of the proceedings, practices, policies, rules and regulations of the practice of criminal law and trial preparation.
• Knowledge of all Commonwealth and local laws, codes and ordinances pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of legal research and investigation methodology, and is able to perform comprehensive legal research.
• Knowledge of the structure and operation of the judicial system.
• Knowledge of statutory provisions applying to rules of order.
• Knowledge of judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the field of criminal law, including court decisions and pertinent legislation.
• Knowledge of the use of the National Crime Information Center computer system.
• Skilled in legal writing and public speaking.
• Ability to effectively interview criminal suspects, crime victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officials.
• Ability to use common office machinery.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and court decisions, and to use legal source material in technical research.
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex…