Deputy Prosecuting Attorney / Rule 9 Intern

The Kittitas County Prosecutor's Office is currently seeking a dedicated and service-oriented Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. This position offers the opportunity to represent the County in criminal matters, promote public safety, and serve the community through fair, ethical, and effective legal advocacy. This is a full-time, benefit and retirement-eligible position located in Ellensburg, WA. The County will also consider qualified Rule 9 Interns who are eligible to become licensed attorneys in Washington State within one year of hire.

This position is considered open until filled. Candidates should apply as soon as possible for optimal consideration.

KITTITAS COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

The Kittitas County Prosecutor’s Office is a small, close-knit office dedicated to victim-centric prosecution and commitment to a safe community. The office, employing 26 staff, is made up of two divisions; the Civil Division and the Criminal Division. The Civil Division serves as the attorney for Kittitas County, providing legal advice and representation. The Criminal Division receives referrals from law enforcement agencies to review for possible criminal charges. The office utilizes a paperless file system for case management and court dockets. Our office values supporting a work/life balance for all staff, and we strive to bring fun and laughter to each work day.

KITTITAS COUNTY

Situated in central Washington between the foothills of the stunning Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Kittitas County residents enjoy limitless activities and recreation opportunities year-round. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, residents and visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, numerous golf courses, fishing and boating, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, climbing, and backpacking.

Residents here enjoy the small-town feel with easy access to Seattle, just a two hour drive from Ellensburg, the largest city in Kittitas County. Ellensburg is well known for its friendly residents and rural life-style, along with summer music festivals, seasonal Farmer’s Market, and the annual Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo.

THE POSITION

While the Prosecutor’s Office handles both civil and criminal matters, we are currently seeking Deputy Prosecutors to handle a criminal caseload. This position is responsible for criminal prosecutions in Kittitas County. Deputy Prosecutors in the Criminal Division are often called to crime scenes and routinely work closely with investigators to provide advice and assistance with legal procedures such as obtaining search warrants or authorizations to intercept and record conversations. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recognizes that the effects of crime can be profound and recovering from a crime can take time. We believe that victims and witnesses deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

• Prosecute crimes within the county (felony and misdemeanor), within Superior Court (including Juvenile cases), and District Court as assigned by the Kittitas County Prosecuting Attorney and or Division Chief.
• Review search warrants and other law enforcement generated investigative documents, advising on necessary changes and additions.
• Consult with law enforcement regarding their investigations when requested; advise law enforcement about legal issues related to the criminal cases; take “on call” weeks to be available to answer law enforcement questions 24/7.
• Meet with and be accountable to members of the community regarding criminal prosecutions.
• Review reports for legal sufficiency and determine appropriate charges to be filed, referred back to LE for further investigation, or declined.
• Draft legal pleadings that are detailed, accurate, and professional including Informations and/or Criminal Complaints, Jury Instructions, Trial Briefs, Motions in Limine, Probable Cause statements, etc.
• Identify witnesses and evidence in each case and contact/interview victims and witnesses before trials; work with legal assistants and victim witness personnel to provide complete discovery to defense.
• Prepare pre-trial motions and perform necessary legal research for drafting pre-trial, trial, and post-trial memoranda and briefs for the court.
• Respond to defense motions with legal research and argument.
• Perform as a trial litigator, including being able to:
• Prepare for direct and cross-examination of witnesses, including further consultations with police, and research on witness backgrounds.
• Prepare opening statements and closing arguments, bearing in mind voluminous court cases which pertain to the allowable content of such statements and arguments.
• Select juries who will be fair and impartial and base their verdicts on evidence.
• Be prepared for making and meeting objections as they occur.
• Know and be able to use the rules of evidence and the foundational requirements for any physical or testimonial evidence sought to be introduced in court by either side.
• Consult with victims regarding their input into plea bargaining decisions or sentencing in cooperation with victim/witness personnel.
• Correctly apply the various rules of the sentencing reform act to determine the presumptive range for criminal offenses, and take steps to ensure that adequate documentation of criminal history is available.
• Make appropriate recommendations for sentencing and be able to defend those recommendations in court.
• Work with probation officers and department of corrections personnel to come up with appropriate responses to probation violations.
• Present probation violation testimony as needed and argue for the position of the State.
• Draft appeals of pre-trial rulings as appropriate.
• Respond to defendant’s appeals or personal restraint or habeas corpus petitions, performing all necessary legal research and writing of legal briefs.
• Argue appeals at the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and/or the Supreme Court.
• Negotiate cases with other parties and attorneys through written, in person, telephonic, and e-mail means.

Rule 9 Interns will be expected to perform a portion of the duties listed above under the supervision of the Elected Prosecutor or assigned Deputy Prosecutor.

ALL POSITIONS

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, the place and manner in which the position will be performed, and any verifiable information related to the candidate’s rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training will be taken into consideration.

DEPUTY PROSECUTOR

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the Washington State Bar.
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, common law, case law, and procedural rules.
• Valid WSBA number/license
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to: Set priorities; work with law enforcement, other criminal justice personnel and clerical personnel; follow the rules of court; maintain professionalism; and provide service to the public on a daily basis.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for the qualifications stated below at the discretion of the Elected Prosecutor.

RULE 9 INTERN

• Applicants must be eligible and qualified as an APR 9 Legal Intern through the Washington State Bar Association.
• At least two (2) years of law school or three (3) years of the Rule 6 program.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Rule 9 program followed by admission to the Washington State Bar within one (1) year of hire.