Authorizes requests for warrants as appropriate in accordance with legal standards and requirements. Negotiates pleas and sentencing recommendations with attorneys and defendants to resolve pending criminal cases. Researches and prepares misdemeanor criminal cases for court proceedings, and conducts court appearances. Assists in prosecuting felony, juvenile, and probate cases. Assists in Child Support cases as needed. Drafts motions, briefs and other legal documents. Assumes responsibility for office in absence of Prosecuting Attorney.
1. Reviews criminal complaints and requests for arrest warrants from State and local law enforcement agencies, analyzesalyzes police reports, collects details and background information from officers, researches law to determine applicable statutes, and authorizes warrants as appropriate in accordance with legal standards. Reviews requests for search warrants and drafts warrants determined to likely meet tests for probable cause. Ensures warrants are complete, accurate, and in accordance with established court rules and standards, prior to submission for signature by magistrate or judge.
2. Attempts to resolve and dispose of pending criminal cases by conferring with attorneys and parties involved in order to reach agreement on pleas and potential sentences as appropriate. Ensures plea agreements are in accordance with established standards and will serve community needs.
3. Researches and prepares misdemeanor criminal cases for trials, motions, sentencings, and other court proceedings, which includes researching current law, interviewing witnesses and victims, investigating claims, and directing law enforcement officers in further investigations as necessary.
4. Represents people of the State in court appearances for misdemeanor arraignments, motions, bench or jury trials, sentencings, and so forth, on behalf of Prosecutor. Selects jury, presents arguments, examines and cross-examines witnesses, and confers with judge and defense counsel on points of law and court procedure.
5. Assists Prosecutor in preparing and conducting felony, juvenile, and family (probate) cases by completing case research and investigation, and appearing as second counsel in court as requested. Conducts such cases independently as assigned or as necessary in the absence of the Prosecutor.
6. Works cooperatively with law enforcement officers from various agencies to ensure investigation and reporting of assigned cases are accomplished in accordance with professional and court rules and standards. Provides updates and advice concerning new laws or revised legal standards concerning evidence, investigations, searches, seizures, confessions, and so forth.
7. Researches and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, briefs, petitions and other legal documents.
8. Assists in overseeing and managing office by organizing and distributing work to staff, reviewing and monitoring work completed, responding to questions from staff concerning policies and procedures to follow, and so forth. Participates in making decisions concerning hiring, discipline, work counseling, performance evaluations, and promotions of staff. Assumes responsibility for functions and operations of office in absence of Prosecutor.
9. Performs all other duties and assignments as requested that are job related or necessary to execute County functions and services and support achievement of established goals and objectives.
