Attorney I - 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 from the elected District Attorney, this position prosecutes misdemeanor cases and operates as Justice of the Peace Prosecutor when needed.

Responsibilities 

• Prosecutes 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, drafts jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and tries cases.   
• Evaluates cases for filing by reviewing police incident and investigative reports, examining physical evidence and crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, surveying criminal histories, directing additional investigation when necessary, and drafting charging instruments.
• Conducts negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, evidentiary suppression issues, and sentencing recommendations.  
• 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.
• Handles all necessary pre-trial matters including plea-bargain/sentencing negotiations and evidentiary/suppression hearings.
• Prepares cases for trial by issuing subpoenas, preparing witnesses, manufacturing trial exhibits, filing all necessary motions and notices, and generating trail strategies.
• Tries both jury and court-trial cases by selecting jury panels, presenting evidence, cross-examining opposing witnesses, and making legal arguments.
• Represents the State in involuntary civil commitment proceedings.
• Covers juvenile detention hearings, protective order matters, and Justice of the Peace proceedings when necessary.
• 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.

Education and/or Experience

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Capable of handling cases and matters that are the least complex and that may result in the least serious consequences with supervision.

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• License to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Attends and participates in law enforcement TLETS training and annual continuing legal education as required by the State of Texas.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.