You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney I

Rappahannock County
Email

Position: Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney I

Department: Commonwealth’s Attorney

FLSA: Exempt

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB:

The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Commonwealth in General District, Juvenile and Domestic Relations, and Circuit Courts. The position involves comprehensive case preparation, litigation, negotiation, and collaboration with law enforcement. This role requires sound legal judgment, a high level of professionalism, and the ability to handle a demanding and diverse caseload. Work is performed under general supervision.

 

This position reports to the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

These essential functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

 

  • Prepares cases for trial by reviewing case reports, identifying the relevant facts of the case, reviewing evidence including law enforcement videos, identifying and contacting necessary witnesses for interviews, reviewing relevant state law and anticipating possible defenses. Case preparation includes conferring with the Commonwealth’s Attorney when necessary.
  • Attends/participates in arraignments of defendants in criminal cases. Negotiates plea agreements with opposing counsel, calculates sentencing guidelines, drafts plea agreements, makes bond arrangements when necessary, and performs other tasks to resolve the case.
  • Responds to discovery requests by preparing written responses for defense attorneys which include defendant's statements and a record of defendant's prior convictions. Complies with the ongoing discovery obligations during a case in accordance with the Virginia Code and the Rules of the Virginia Supreme Court, as well as compliance with state and federal constitutional requirements.
  • Assists law enforcement agencies in ongoing investigations of criminal offenses; advises on issues involving search and seizure, charging decisions, and other time-sensitive situations. 
  • Responds to citizen inquiries regarding possible criminal offenses; evaluates citizen complaints and refers to appropriate authority, if necessary. 
  • Maintains a professional manner at all times. Complies with office confidentiality procedures.
  • Other similar, related, or logical duties as assigned by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research, and to prepare legal pleadings, motions, and briefs.  Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, law witnesses, and victim witnesses.  Ability to prepare and present complex cases in a short period of time.  Comprehensive working knowledge of efficient legal office practices and procedures, and the ability to establish and maintain constructive, effective, and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers, and the public.  Ability to present ideas and provide counsel effectively in writing and orally to professional and lay persons.   Ability to manage a large caseload.  Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, email communications, and electronic case systems. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions; work requires stooping, standing, and walking; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • The successful candidate will hold a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and will be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Criminal litigation experience is preferred, but not required.  Prior military or law enforcement service is preferred, but not required. 
  •  

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check.

 

Work is typically performed in an office or courtroom setting. Occasional requirement to visit major crime scene.  Second-line contact with witnesses and defendants who on occasion are rude, hostile, and angry.  Daily contact is made with judges, clerks of court, law enforcement officers, and other legal professionals, the general public in person, by telephone, and by written communications.  Considerable tact and diplomacy are necessary.