Job Description

This is a multi-level class series in which newly-hired and incumbent attorneys may be assigned to any of five levels, depending on organizational needs, professional legal experience, individual expertise and skill, proficiency, and complexity of assigned caseload. Positions in these classes are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level. Progression from one level to the next is at the discretion of the appointing authority, provided minimum qualifications are met.

Positions within the Class:

Rule 226 Provisional Deputy is the pre-entry level in the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA) series, assigned to law students and recent law school graduates studying for the Bar Exam. Provisional Deputies are legal interns admitted under Idaho Bar Commission Rule 226 to the limited practice of law.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I is the entry level in the DPA series assigned to employees with limited previous legal experience who are fully licensed to practice law in the state of Idaho. This level is typically used as a training level experience and employees work under immediate supervision while learning job skills and tasks.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II is the first working level assigned to employees with at least the equivalent of two years as a CCPA DPA I. Under general supervision, employees at this level perform work of average difficulty in all phases of criminal practice. Attorneys at this level have attained the competency to prosecute all magistrate-level criminal offenses with little to no supervision. Attorneys at this level have the competency to begin prosecuting felony-level offenses, complex juvenile offenses, handling preliminary hearings, and mentoring junior misdemeanor-level attorneys.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III is the full working level assigned to employees with the equivalent of at least five years’ experience as a CCPA DPA. Attorneys at this level have achieved the competency to prosecute felony-level offenses with little to no supervision, instruction or assistance. Deputies at this level may also be assigned to supervise limited-license attorneys.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney IV is the senior working level assigned to employees with the equivalent of at least ten years’ experience as a CCPA DPA. Attorneys at this level are generally assigned more difficult and sensitive cases, are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the CCPA, and require only occasional instruction or assistance as necessary. Attorneys at this level take on broader supervisory roles, act as mentors within the office, and are capable of handling any type of case within the criminal division. Attorneys at this level have attained the competency to first chair the most complex cases within the office. Attorneys at this level have not demonstrated any deficits of competency in any area.

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•Perform all duties of a Prosecuting Attorney pursuant to Idaho Code;

•Manage assigned cases from intake through disposition;

•Perform screening duties, including review of incoming police reports to determine which charges, if any, will be filed and against whom;

•Prepare criminal complaints;

•Prepare witness lists and confer with citizen witnesses and law enforcement agents;

•Research case-specific legal issues and draft motions, orders, and memoranda;

•Negotiate potential case resolutions with defense counsel/defendants as appropriate, in accordance with facts, law, and policy;

•Prepare questions, legal strategies, jury instructions, jury selection questions, opening and closing statements;

•Prepare witnesses for trial;

•Present evidence and argument at arraignments, preliminary hearings, hearings on motions, trials, juvenile proceedings, mental commitment proceedings, and Grand Jury;

•Conduct legal research as necessary to stay abreast of court decisions and legislation affecting the practice of criminal law;

•Conduct training for law enforcement agents designed to improve procedures for arrests, searches, seizures, etc.;

•Respond to legal questions from law enforcement agencies and obtain search warrants by being on call 24 hours per day, per the duty roster of the CCPA;

•Maintain confidentiality and comply with Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct;

•Perform related duties as required.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

•Conduct outreach and advise the general public on criminal practice and issues of community concern, including the rights of victims, complainants, and witnesses;

•Assist other counties as Special Prosecutor when so directed by the PA;

•Exercise direct supervision over attorneys, investigators, and support staff in accordance with Office policies and procedures;

•Participate in interview, evaluation, and training of CCPA employees;

•Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

•Criminal and civil law as it relates to criminal prosecution;

•Court systems, procedures and protocols in the state of Idaho;

•Local, state, and federal rules of criminal and civil procedure;

•Rules of Evidence;

•Principles and techniques of legal research;

•Current technology and trends of its use in legal practice;

•Telephone, office, and online etiquette.

Ability to:

•Analyze and apply legal principles and practices to case-specific facts;

•Interpret laws and regulations;

•Evaluate complex criminal cases;

•Perform legal research;

•Work under pressure within strict timeframes and a heavy caseload;

•Work independently and as a team member;

•Screen, prepare, organize, and prosecute criminal and quasi-criminal cases;

•Interview witnesses and complainants;

•Prepare motions, orders, pleadings, and other legal documents;

•Communicate effectively orally and in writing;

•Present statements orally and in writing of fact, law, and argument clearly, logically, and persuasively;

•Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, the public, defense bar, and judiciary, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds;

•Exercise appropriate professional judgment in answering questions, releasing information, charging and resolving cases;

•Operate specialized case management and tracking system, and general computer system;

•Supervise, lead, and delegate tasks.

Acceptable Experience and Training

•Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school;

•Licensed and in good standing to practice law in all state and federal courts in Idaho.

Special Qualifications

•Successfully complete a background investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Essential Physical Abilities

•Ability to accurately perform essential duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without endangering self or other employees. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and drive; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear;

•Sufficient clarity of hearing, speech and writing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively on the telephone and in person;

•Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review and prepare a variety of written and text materials, file them in a prescribed order, and organize documents and materials;

•Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and other office equipment;

•Sufficient personal mobility, agility, strength, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work at a keyboard for an extended period of time; to reach, stoop, bend, and stretch in filing materials, lift up to 25 pounds, and work in an office and courtroom environment.

EOE Statement

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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