Deputy District Attorney III​/IV

Position Overview

Exam #: 22/39D31/07CC
County of Monterey – District Attorney's Office – Deputy District Attorney / Prosecutor III & IV (Criminal and Civil Divisions). Salary: $10,132 – $17,220 Monthly. Signing bonus up to $10,000 for new hires.

• Prepare and prosecute cases, presenting opening statements, questioning witnesses, presenting evidence, making objections, arguing points of law, and delivering closing arguments.
• Conduct legal research, apply statutory and case law, draft briefs, motions, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal documents.
• Attend court hearings (arraignments, pre‑trial, motions, sentencing, probation, forfeiture) and manage scheduling.
• Interview victims, police, and witnesses; determine follow‑up investigations; marshal and review evidence for court and mediation.
• Negotiate dispositions and settlement agreements without trial.
• Evaluate requests for criminal or civil complaints, analyze evidence for sufficiency, and recommend additional evidence as needed.
• Advise general public and law enforcement on legal matters affecting consumer safety.
• Train and supervise junior attorneys, serve as lead worker when assigned.

• Criminal Division (Salinas) – Experienced litigator with significant jury trial experience; prior service in a DA, Attorney General's Office, Public Defender's Office, or criminal defense firm.
• Civil Division (Monterey) – Extensive knowledge of California civil procedure, law and motion, pleadings, discovery, and negotiation; experience with Business & Professions Code §§ 17200 & 17500.

• Working knowledge of the Office of the District Attorney, ethical standards for prosecutors, legal research methods, rules of evidence.
• Thorough knowledge of criminal and civil law, criminal procedure, trial practice, statutory and constitutional California law.
• Computer proficiency; logical analysis of complex data; clear written and oral communication; persuasive courtroom advocacy; effective evidence presentation; relationship building; independent case management; creative problem‑solving; training of staff.

• Current, valid California State Bar membership (by date of hire).
• Background investigation (including criminal record).
• Response to law‑enforcement requests while on duty.
• Heavy caseload; occasional extra hours.
• Rotation between Salinas and Monterey offices and courthouses.

Monterey County offers a comprehensive benefits package. Detailed summary available on the County website.

Apply online at  or submit hard‑copy applications to:

• County of Monterey, Human Resources Analyst II, 168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd Floor, Salinas, CA 93901
• Phone: (831) 755‑5238
  • Fax: (831) 757‑5792

Required application materials:

• County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to Supplemental Questions
• Resume

Evaluation may include oral examination, performance exercises, written examination, and the supplemental questions section. Selected candidates will be invited to proceed in the examination process.

Monterey County is a drug‑free workplace and equal‑opportunity employer. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755‑5238 or (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

• I have read and understand these instructions.
• Pursuant to Section 6060 of the Business & Professions Code, do you currently possess a valid California State Bar membership?
  Yes/No
• If yes, provide your California State Bar Number.
• Have you been convicted of any crime? Provide brief details (exclude infractions). List all convictions except sealed, expunged, or older marijuana offenses.
• Have you ever faced disciplinary action regarding your practice of law? Explain or state N/A.
• Describe your experience negotiating civil case settlements (0, 1‑10, 11‑20, >20).
• Why do you want to be a Deputy District Attorney?
• Describe any activities that will contribute to your success as a trial attorney.
• Provide an example where you demonstrated sound judgment and explain your thought process.
• What is the primary challenge facing prosecutors today in achieving justice?
• If assigned a case to try before a jury but you believe the defendant is innocent, what should you do?