Assistant State's Attorney- Post Trial

Unit Overview

The Post Trial Procedures Unit represents the State in criminal matters arising after conviction and sentencing. ASAs assigned to this unit are responsible for protecting the integrity of criminal convictions by responding to post-conviction litigation, requests for sentence modification, probation violations, and other post-judgment proceedings. The unit plays a critical role in ensuring that convictions and sentences are legally sound while safeguarding the interests of victims, public safety, and the administration of justice.

Post Trial Procedures ASAs work closely with trial prosecutors, defense counsel, the judiciary, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Department of Parole and Probation, victims, and law enforcement agencies to review prior proceedings, evaluate legal claims, and represent the State during post-conviction and post-sentencing matters. ASAs assigned to this unit are expected to exercise sound legal judgment, possess strong appellate and post-conviction litigation skills, and manage a high-volume caseload involving complex legal and constitutional issues.

Primary Responsibilities

ASAs assigned to the Post Trial Procedures Unit are responsible for:

• Reviewing post-conviction petitions, motions for new trial, motions to reopen post-conviction proceedings, and other collateral attacks on criminal convictions.
• Responding to motions to correct an illegal sentence, motions for reconsideration or modification of sentence, and other post-sentencing requests.
• Reviewing trial records, transcripts, pleadings, exhibits, and applicable case law to evaluate post-conviction claims.
• Conducting legal research involving constitutional law, criminal procedure, sentencing law, and appellate decisions.
• Preparing written responses, legal memoranda, pleadings, and court filings related to post-conviction and post-sentencing litigation.
• Representing the State during post-conviction hearings, sentence modification hearings, probation violation hearings, and other Circuit Court proceedings.
• Handling the Office's daily Circuit Court bond hearings as assigned.
• Coordinating with the Department of Parole and Probation regarding probation matters and violation proceedings.
• Collaborating with trial prosecutors to obtain case information and historical case records when responding to post-conviction litigation.
• Maintaining communication with victims regarding post-conviction proceedings and significant case developments, when appropriate.
• Ensuring compliance with constitutional obligations, Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, and applicable post-conviction statutes.
• Maintaining accurate case documentation and timely updating case management systems.
• Performing other prosecutorial duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

ASAs assigned to the Post Trial Procedures Unit should possess the ability to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, constitutional law, sentencing law, and post-conviction procedures.
• Apply ethical prosecutorial standards and constitutional obligations throughout all stages of post-conviction litigation.
• Conduct advanced legal research and prepare clear, concise, and persuasive legal memoranda, motions, and appellate-quality pleadings.
• Analyze trial transcripts, court records, evidentiary materials, and complex legal issues to evaluate challenges to criminal convictions and sentences.
• Prepare and litigate post-conviction hearings, probation violation hearings, sentence modification proceedings, and other post-judgment matters.
• Exercise sound prosecutorial discretion, critical thinking, and independent judgment when evaluating legal challenges to convictions and sentences.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with victims, defense counsel, trial prosecutors, judges, court personnel, the Department of Parole and Probation, and other criminal justice partners.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive criminal case records and post-conviction litigation.
• Effectively manage a high-volume caseload while meeting statutory deadlines and court schedules.
• Adapt to evolving legislation, appellate decisions, constitutional developments, and changes in Maryland criminal procedure.
• Demonstrate exceptional legal writing, organization, professionalism, integrity, analytical ability, and attention to detail.

General Minimum Qualifications

(Each progressive SAO Classification has substantially more stringent minimum qualifications)

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Maryland Bar and in good standing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal litigation experience, with felony prosecution experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, constitutional law, and post-conviction procedures.
• Experience reviewing trial records, legal pleadings, and complex criminal case files to evaluate post-conviction and sentencing issues.
• Strong legal research, analytical reasoning, and persuasive legal writing skills.
• Ability to independently manage post-conviction litigation while exercising sound legal judgment and prosecutorial discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with trial prosecutors, defense counsel, the judiciary, the Department of Parole and Probation, and other criminal justice partners.

Individual salaries are set based on budget and experience within the minimums and maximums defined above. ASAs are also eligible for all County benefits including enrollment in healthcare, life insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, optional 457 deferred compensation plan, and other elective benefits.

SAO 2 $88,100.00 to $139,725.00

SAO 3 $96,500.00 to $153,000.00

SAO 4 $104,670.00 to $166,347.00

Prince George’s County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace