Attorney IV - Criminal

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Summary

Under general direction, prosecutes felony offenses for Hays County.

Individuals in this position serve at the pleasure of the current elected official.

• Prosecutes felony and misdemeanor crimes committed by adults and juveniles, including jury and non-jury trials.  
• Handles assigned cases from in-take through appeal.   
• Plans casework, conducts arraignment proceedings, reviews physical evidence, interviews witnesses, prepares trial exhibits, files motions and briefs, negotiates pleas, selects juries, prepares jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases.  
• Evaluates cases for presentation to the grand jury by reviewing police incident and investigation reports, reviewing criminal histories, requesting additional investigative information, interviewing and preparing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and drafting indictments.
• Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, evidentiary suppression issues, and sentencing recommendations.  
• Screens protective orders, negotiates resolutions, and represents applicants in hearings.  
• Handles appeals by reviewing legal issues, conducting legal research, reviewing court transcripts, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments in appellate courts.   
• Counsels and discusses cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses.  
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases.  
• Ensures that trial and other legal deadlines are met.
• Some positions occasionally handle county civil work.  
• Some positions provide training to court appointed special advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, women's center volunteers, and/or others.  
• Some positions handle cases before Justices of the Peace.
• Represents the State in magistration hearings, hearings relating to emergency protective orders, and examining trials.
• Attend hearings either remotely or in person, as required, at irregular times and dates, including weekends and some holidays relating to participation by counsel at magistration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• At least five year’s experience working as a licensed attorney.
• Capable of handling cases and matters that are moderately complex and that may result in moderately serious consequences without supervision, and cases and matters that are complex and that may result in serious consequences with supervision.