JOB The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney will be assigned a combination of cases to include misdemeanor offense in the General District Court and felony cases at the Circuit Court levels. Depending upon prior experience, assignments generally include the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in General District Court (DUI, traffic offenses, and simple drug possession), and the prosecution of less serious felony cases to include non-violent crimes (property crimes, petit and grand larceny, forgery and uttering, etc.). The ACA will prepare and prosecute misdemeanor cases, conduct legal research and argument for hearings, compose appellate briefs, advise local law enforcement agencies, and work closely with victim/witness advocates. As experience, knowledge, and skills are obtained and developed, the ACA will be exposed to increasing responsibility, including more difficult and complex cases. The starting salary for this position is $77,596. A higher salary may be considered based on prior years of experience. Benefits include retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), Health\Dental\Vision, Paid Time Off, and eligibility to apply for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness. The hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.Review case files to determine the witnesses necessary for all court hearings, assuring that all required witnesses are subpoenaed to appear;Conduct bond hearings for incarcerated defendants, making recommendations to the court regarding appropriate bond amounts and conditions necessary to ensure victim and community safety;Conduct appropriate legal research for assigned cases and prepare memoranda of law when necessary;Communicate effectively and professionally with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, and lay witnesses, effectively address, with sensitivity, the needs of victims of crime, Work proficiently in a collaborative, team environment, engage people of various social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds, maintain a fast-paced workload/docket while keeping case files and workplace organized, Prepare and present cases before a trial court in a short period of time, and establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public.Perform any other responsibilities or special assignments as designated by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF POSITIONDue to the high caseload, the ACA must be organized, work efficiently, be flexible, and be able to think on his or her feet in busy and time-pressured situations. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONSJuris Doctorate Degree, licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia, proof of Virginia State Bar Active standing, must possess satisfactory results of a criminal background check.
Salary: $77,596 a year
Employment Type: Full-time
Qualifications
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