Nueces County Job Description
Job Title: Job Code: Salary Level: Class:
FLSA Status:
W. C. Code: NAICS code: Prepared By: Date:
Assistant District Attorney-Felony Attorney 1-2126-3520
2126
Pay Group 33 (Comm. Court Approved FY 2021 – 2022) Non-Clerical
Exempt 8820
933120
Sara Longoria
Rev.4/23/99; 10/20/99; 1/24/03; 10/172013; 12/23/2015; 10/15/2021
Approved By:
Approved Date:
SUMMARY: Screens and charges various cases presented in the District Attorney’s Office and/or prepares, investigates and litigates various cases for which the District Attorney’s Office has responsibility.
The employee is required to be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies, as directed by the Department Head.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: Performs legal research necessary for felony or misdemeanor criminal prosecutions.
Screens and reviews simple cases to determine the legal and factual sufficiency of the case, or analyzes charging instruments.
May receive assistance on more complex cases.
Conducts investigations and negotiations to determine recommendations for court or non-court action. Prepares for and appears at pretrial hearings.
Prepares cases for trial, researches and briefs areas of the law specifically related to the case(s) and to any potential appeal, and assures the issuance or creation of related legal documents including subpoenas, motions, writs, warrants and other documents.
Confers with supervisor, trial chief, defense attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officials, victims, witnesses and other parties concerning assigned cases.
Responds to correspondence from persons making inquiry to or requesting information from the department. Negotiates with defense attorneys and victims regarding pleas.
Prosecutes cases before appropriate court and/or jury.
Advises law enforcement officials on legal issues and policy concerning prosecution of case(s). Assists clerical and legal secretarial staff as needed.
May prepare indictments for and present cases to the Grand Jury. Files motions or defaults in bond forfeiture cases.
May handle property forfeiture suits.
May compile statistical reports and/or utilize the computer to process, retrieve and disseminate information. Performs such other duties as may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Does not supervise other employees; but may assign and review
work of paralegals and legal secretaries.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Any employee who drives a vehicle on official business must have a driving record which meets standards set by the County and the County’s insurance carrier.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: J.D. or L.L.B. degree from an accredited law school and a minimum of one year of experience as an attorney (two years preferred).
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: License from the Texas State Bar to practice law in the State of Texas.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret case law, statutory law, legal documents, and evidence.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of judicial principles and of criminal law and procedures, including case law, constitutional law, and statutory law. Ability to analyze and appraise facts, procedures and legal precedents affecting court cases in area of specialty.
Ability to present facts and precedents effectively in court and in writing and to direct others in law-related matters. Ability to develop and perform effective research.
Excellent negotiating skills.
Ability to operate a computer to process and retrieve data and information.
Organizational skills which enable employee to handle large caseload in an efficient manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees and officials, court personnel, other attorneys and the general public.
Knowledge of Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, the Texas and Federal Constitutions, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Penal Code, Texas Family Code and public law.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. Employee could possibly be exposed to a dangerous defendant or mentally unstable person capable of violence. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to moderate.