Deputy District Attorney I - Criminal

Position Summary

The person in this position is responsible for providing professional legal services involved in the prosecution of criminal cases in a court in the State of Nevada. Responsibilities include evaluating investigative reports; filing criminal cases; preparing pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; conducting legal research; examining and evaluating evidence; and prosecuting cases in the courts.

• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Prepares and presents State's evidence in criminal actions to include legal arguments regarding merit; argues on behalf of the State against writs of habeas corpus, petitions for post-conviction relief and motions to suppress evidence.
• Appears on behalf of the State in probation, revocation hearings and sanity hearings; prepares and supervises the preparation of legal briefs filed on behalf of the State.
• Presents plea negotiations with opposing attorneys.
• Interviews and advises complainants and witnesses in regard to prospective criminal action.
• Performs legal research and studies; interprets and applies laws, court decisions and legal points and authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs for the prosecution or the defense.
• Confers with and advises County officials, employees, and representatives on legal questions; drafts ordinances, resolutions and other legislative measures; confers with investigators regarding the collection of facts and evidence.
• Attends pre-trial police lineups; attends arraignments, preliminary hearings, hearings and trials and defends indigent clients in a variety of cases before County or State courts; dictates legal instruments, correspondence and reports.
• Maintains accurate records and files; prepares a variety of records and reports as assigned.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate in Law and admittance to practice in the State courts of Nevada; or as provided by Supreme Court rule. We are willing to consider and work with applicants who are members of the bar in other States. Minimum of two years of experience as a licensed Nevada attorney is highly desirable.

Coursework in Evidence is required.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Application of legal principles to individual cases or problems.
• Judicial procedure and rules of evidence.
• Applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Computer applications, particularly as related to the performance of legal research.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

Skill in:

• Understanding and interpreting constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations and precedents.
• Researching, interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations and court decisions.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed.
• Compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports.
• Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or department goals, objectives and activities.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining complex laws, codes, regulations and procedures.
• Using tact, discretion and prudence in dealing with court officials, witnesses, members of the legal community and the general public.

Required Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

• Nevada Driver's License.
• Certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Nevada and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Nevada.
• Permit to carry a concealed weapon (CCW) - may be obtained after being hired.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength and agility to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate over the telephone and in person.