Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney

at  City of Hopewell VA

DESCRIPTION

Under limited supervision, performs professional legal work prosecuting criminal suspects on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Work involves performing legal research in the preparation of criminal trials; prosecuting jury and non-jury trials in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases including trial of drug cases and/or negotiating settlements; preparing Appellate court and other legal briefs, as necessary. Employee is also responsible for providing legal advice and counsel to public officials, law enforcement officials, victims of crime and the general public. Employee must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in determining the proper course of action in a variety of legal cases and situations. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy and discretion in frequent contact with crime victims, suspect, law enforcement and judicial officials, public officials, and the general public. Employee will supervise assistant commonwealth’s attorneys.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Member of the Virginia State Bar.
• Juris Doctorate Degree and no less than 17 years prosecutorial experience as well as extensive jury trial and murder trial experience.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will handle all murder cases as well as cold cases.
• Will be responsible for developing specific programs for training of the police officers.

Other Responsibilities:

• Provides legal advice to all citizens, elected officials, city attorney, and the police department.
• Prepares and reviews warrants, indictments, information, presentments, and search warrants.
• Makes charging decisions (i.e., who to charge and what to charge).
• Interviews victims and witnesses in every case prior to trials and gives referrals to the Victim Witness Coordinator to learn about resources available to victims.
• Meets with police officers and detectives to go over all cases as well as to determine what charges need to be taken.
• Investigates and prepares cases for all trials for general district courts, juvenile and domestic relations district court, and circuit court.
• Prosecutes all felonies and most misdemeanors.
• Prepares responses to motions filed in all courts.
• Prepares jury instructions.
• Prepares all discovery materials.
• Negotiates plea agreements with opposing counsel and meets with opposing counsel to provide discovery.
• Reviews case law and other legal services.