Assistant County Attorney
Employer: Williamson County Attorney’s Office
Location: Georgetown, Texas
POSITION: Assistant County Attorney I – Criminal Division – Intake
SALARY: $76,687.64
JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting directly the Lead Prosecutor of County Court at Law, the Intake Criminal Prosecutor is primarily responsible for all adult misdemeanor intake, case screening, case filing and representing the state in Justice of the Peace and County Court at Law proceedings. Process includes screening new cases, making charging and filing decision and conducting legal research as needed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
- Performs case intake, screens and follow up investigations to include reviewing police reports and evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies.
- Drafts investigative requests for additional evidence, decides on a charging decision and file charging instruments with the court.
- Performs legal research by reading State statutes and codes, analytical books, on line case research utilizing LexisNexis and specialized practice guides.
- Drafts legal documents such as motions, pleadings, orders, plea paperwork, legal memos, search warrants, and administrative documents utilizing Microsoft Office software and the County database.
- Represents the State in Justice Peace Courts which includes travelling to Justice Peace Court on a weekly basis to process all criminal cases set for a pre-trial or trial hearing, negotiating with defense attorneys and pro-se defendants, and representing the State in bench and jury trials.
- Represents the State in County Courts at Law. Ensures responsibilities for announcement and plea dockets to include handling cases in the court room that have been set on the court’s docket. Discusses cases with Defense Attorneys and Adult Probation Officers. Files court documents and responds to the Judge’s questions and requests.
- Prepares and conducts contested court hearings to include reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing trial motions, responding to defense motions, preparing trial exhibits and conducting the actual hearing itself (I.e. jury selection, opening statements, witness examination and closing arguments).
- Ensures responsibility for plea negotiations and correspondence with Defense Attorneys to include reviewing evidence, reading criminal histories and police reports, submitting plea offers, negotiating specific terms and conditions, and responding to discovery requests.
- Interviews and communicates with victims and witnesses via telephone and in person by answering questions regarding the criminal justice system.
- Represents the State in truancy litigation, which involves screening truancy cases, filing truancy petitions, and representing the State in Truancy Court hearings.
- Communicates with County personnel, elected officials, judges, defense attorneys, victims and witnesses of crime, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
- Readily complies with departmental and county-wide policies and procedures.
- Performs related special projects as assigned.
- The physical demands and environmental factors listed below as well as regular attendance are also essential functions for this position.
REQUIREMENTS:
Doctorate in Jurisprudence from an accredited law school. Must pass a criminal background check. Ability to work in an office environment and interact effectively with others.
Candidates should be proficient in electronic legal research. Candidates should possess superior communications skills. Abilities to manage a considerable docket of active cases and consistently satisfy deadlines in the face of competing time demands are essential functions of the position. The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate these skills and perform these functions with minimal direction from the County Attorney.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Mainly indoor activity. Significant contact with the public, crime victims, witnesses, persons accused/convicted of crimes, police officers, and other law enforcement /courthouse personnel.
About This Office
Williamson County is a medium size office serving approximately 28 law enforcement agencies including the City of Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Georgetown. We are looking for a highly self-motivated, hardworking, compassionate individual who is dedicated to obtaining positive results in prosecuting criminal cases. Health and retirement benefits provided through Williamson County. State Bar dues, CLE and membership in TDCAA for the selected candidate will be paid by the County Attorney’s Office.
APPLICATIONS
To be considered, interested candidates must submit an Employment Application online only thru Williamson County Human Resources at:
Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
Not every applicant will be interviewed. No phone calls. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Employment is ALWAYS AT WILL of the County Attorney.
Resumes may be emailed to: Kerstin Siptak [email protected]
However, an application MUST be completed via Williamson County HR online portal.