Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

POSITION: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

DEPARTMENT: Prosecuting Attorney

WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., M - F

JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special Occupation)

STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Steuben County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Steuben County Prosecuting Attorney, responsible for representing the State of Indiana in prosecuting felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic infractions.

DUTIES:

Reviews information and conducts case investigations in preparing charges, including interviewing law enforcement personnel, witnesses, and victims, reviewing arrest reports, taking depositions, and preparing charging information and probable cause affidavits.

Manages the prosecution of criminal cases heard before Steuben County Circuit/Superior Courts.

Prepares for hearings and/or trials, including filing court motions/notices, preparing witness lists, interviewing witnesses, researching and reviewing applicable case law, and preparing and presenting for every phase of bench/jury trials.

Represents the State of Indiana at depositions and in various court proceedings, such as initial hearings, pre-trial hearings, bond hearings, evidentiary hearings, sentencing hearings, trials, and post-conviction hearings, and discussing cases and negotiating plea agreements with defendants or defense attorneys.

Prepares correspondence and various documents as required, including discovery responses, subpoenas, search warrants, and affidavits. Directs and assigns work to support staff as needed.

Maintains frequent communication with victim assistance coordinator regarding victim issues and communications.

Serves on 24-hour call, responding to legal inquiries and questions from law enforcement and providing assistance to law enforcement agencies as needed.

Periodically attends conferences and seminars. Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Doctorate degree in law with Indiana attorney license.

Thorough knowledge and ability to make practical application of federal, state, and local laws and rules of court.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to State requirements.

Shall comply with all employer and Department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, occasionally under time pressure.

Ability to conduct legal research, thorough investigations, and interviews; and, to effectively prepare and present cases in legal proceedings.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other attorneys, probation, community corrections, law enforcement, court personnel, victims, and witnesses including, being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to properly operate various office equipment, including computer, printer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.

Ability to work with minimum supervision, work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure.

Ability to regularly work extended hours, occasionally work evening and/or weekend hours, and occasionally travel out of town for training and/or court cases, sometimes overnight.

Ability to serve on 24-hour call and respond swiftly, rationally, and decisively in emergency situations.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent applies a broad scope of rules and regulations in developing effective approaches for prosecuting criminal offenders. Incumbent exercises independent judgment in adapting basic guidelines and accepted procedures to meet specific situations and fit complex or contradictory circumstances.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent makes a major contribution to administration and implementation of department policies and legal actions, referring to supervisor unusual or unprecedented situations. Incumbent performs according to legally defined procedures and standard practices of the profession, with work periodically reviewed for compliance with legal requirements and soundness of judgment.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other attorneys, probation, law enforcement personnel, court personnel, witnesses, victims, victim assistance director, for the purpose of exchanging and explaining information, investigating and arguing cases and negotiating agreements.

Incumbent reports directly to Prosecutor.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs a majority of duties in a courtroom or a standard office environment with no unusual physical demands, sitting/standing/walking at will, sitting for long periods, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, keyboarding, speaking clearly, and hearing sounds/communications.

Incumbent is regularly required to work extended hours, occasionally works evening and/or weekend hours, and occasionally travel out of town for training and/or court cases, sometimes overnight. Incumbent is required to serve on 24-hour call and occasionally respond to emergencies.