Deputy State’s Attorney

Department: State’s Attorney

Posting: #26-01

Posting Type: Internal & Open Announcement

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Starting Wage: $85,513.17

                Wage Grade 22

                Full-time position with Benefit Package                                                                                        

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases and for representing the State of South Dakota in court. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Senior Deputy State’s Attorney”

MAJOR DUTIES

• Reviews law enforcement reports, search warrants, and related documents.
• Reviews law enforcement dispatch logs, videos, and documentary and testimonial evidence.
• Makes charging decisions; prepares, reviews, and files charging documents.
• Reviews and submits requests for warrants and summons.
• Represents the State of South Dakota before the grand jury.
• Represents the State of South Dakota at all stages of criminal prosecution in Meade County.
• Makes oral arguments and prepares motions, responses, and supporting legal briefs
• Manages caseload of misdemeanor and felony offenses as assigned.
• Coordinates with other agencies in the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor related matters.
• Makes bond arguments and sentencing recommendations.
• Conducts legal research, writing, and motions preparation.
• Complies with Marsy’s Law and assists victims through the criminal justice system
• Prepares law enforcement officers, witnesses, and victims for testimony.
• Updates and trains law enforcement officers on relevant areas of the law.
• Handles appeals to the Circuit Court and state Supreme Court as needed.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law.
• Knowledge of investigative tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of trial proceedings.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the completion of legal research.
• Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.
• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions
• Skill in training and supervising personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The State’s Attorney assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include rules of professional conduct, rules of ethics, South Dakota Supreme Court rules, South Dakota codified laws, rules of evidence, and county and department policies and procedure. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied legal duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in the prosecution of criminal cases. Success in this position contributes to the successful prosecution of criminal cases.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other county employees, other attorneys, law enforcement personnel, judges, victims, witnesses, defendants, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence persons; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office or courtroom.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position may supervise assigned personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Current membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.