DPS - OGC - Crime Records Attorney

THE POSTING WAS EXTENDED. THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY APPLIED DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers attorneys the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting legal issues that impact public safety, all while maintaining ahealthy work-life balance. The department is seeking an attorney to join a specialized team responsible for advising and representing the agency on matters related to criminal history record information. The selected candidate will handle legal issues related to the sex offender registration process, expunctions, juvenile record sealings, and related matters.

The department offers a close, collegial work environment with career advancement opportunities. Other benefits of the position include:

Flexible work schedules
Hybrid telecommuting options
Comprehensive medical insurance with premiums paid at 100% for full time employees
Generous paid leave and holidays
Retirement pension, and
Comprehensive wellness program

PLEASE NOTE
:
All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
:
Perform highly complex (senior-level) professional legal and administrative work for the Office of Crime Records Counsel. Work involves providing legal research and counsel on issues affecting the Crime Records Division, including, but not limited to, the expunction laws, the sex offender laws, the terrorist offender laws, the juvenile sealing laws, the public information act, and subpoenas; and participating in the drafting of legislation and administrative rules.

Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
:

1. Perform legal research and provide legal counsel to Crime Records Division personnel regarding issues affecting the division.

2. Evaluate sex and terrorist offender registration eligibility.

3. Research federal laws and laws of other states to determine whether the offenses are substantially similar to Texas offenses that require sex and terrorist offender registration.

4. Evaluate expunction petitions to determine whether applicants are eligible for expunction of the record, research applicable law, and obtain any additional records necessary to make the determination.

5. Prepare and file answers to expunction petitions and represents the agency at expunction hearings held before a court as appropriate.

6. Draft and file notices of appeals and briefs in the Court of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court.

7. Represent the agency in appeals or provide litigation assistance to the Texas Attorney Generals Office.

8. Assist in drafting legislation and monitoring pending legislation that affects the Crime Records Division.

9. Draft administrative rules related to laws affecting the Crime Records Division.

10. Respond to telephone and written inquiries regarding laws affecting the Crime Records Division from legislators, county and district attorneys, employees in the Texas Attorney Generals Office, judges, law enforcement agencies, Department employees, and the general public.

11. Provide legal counsel regarding, and coordinate responses to, subpoenas and requests under the Public Information Act.

12. Assist in formulating, coordinating, and establishing policies and procedures.

13. May participate in coordinating and monitoring the work of lower-level OCRC attorneys and…