Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I: Prepares and tries, with supervision, primarily traffic and criminal cases in district court and handles their appeal to the Superior Court if necessary. May on occasion assist in trying felony cases in Superior Court.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II: Prepares and tries, with supervision, primarily traffic and criminal cases in district court and handles their appeal to the Superior Court if necessary and/or prepares with supervision, routine felony criminal cases for trial; prosecutes offenders in juvenile district and/or Superior Court. May on occasion assist in trying high priority felony cases in Superior Court.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III: Prepares and tries, within minimum supervision, priority felony criminal cases in Superior Court with emphasis on those felonies involving assault, robbery, arson, embezzlement, bribery and on occasion homicide; and/or prepares and tries all types of juvenile cases.

This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of these classifications and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in a position.

- DPA I: Salary upon hire is $37.56 to $40.23 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications. Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 (top step is $49.95/hr.). The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I is Range 28 of the PA Guild salary schedule.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I: Reviews and screens with minimal supervision all traffic and misdemeanor criminal complaints filed by police officers or by the public; reviews and evaluates evidence and presents same in trial; confers with court and defense counsel regarding amendment and disposition of charges.

Determines strategy, including organization, timing and order of evidence presentation, appearance of witnesses and related factors. Ensures Prosecuting Attorney and other concerned parties are informed of case progress and direction. At trial, selects juries if applicable, try jury/bench trials, perfects appeals.

Works with law enforcement officers and provides legal advice in the investigation and preparation of district court cases; responsible for keeping statistics relative to all phases of district court activity; handles the appeal of all cases to Superior Court.

Attend/coordinate continuing legal education including but not limited to WAPA seminars.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II: Assists in the review of complaints filed by arresting officers or by the public; examines evidence, questions witnesses, investigates the scene of the crime when appropriate.

Prosecutes with supervision, primarily felony cases of a routine nature in Superior Court and also prosecutes misdemeanor cases in district court; and all types of juvenile court cases; presents evidence, confers with judge or defense attorney regarding modification, withdrawal, or change of certain charges.

Assists in Superior Court jury trials of a high priority nature; prepares trial memorandums, checks points of law, drafts jury instructions.

Performs a variety of legal office work relieving the Prosecuting Attorney of as much detail as possible; interviews people seeking legal advice on non-County legal problems and refers them to appropriate agencies or attorneys.

Attend/coordinate continuing legal education including but not limited to WAPA seminars.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III: Primary duty is to handle a full priority felony caseload, determine trial strategy and function primarily as an in-court trial attorney with minimum supervision; will undertake on short notice the trial of a felony case prepared by another deputy who is unable to try due to a schedule conflict. In some instances, may handle all types of juvenile cases with minimal supervision.

Assists in the screening and initial review of felony criminal cases referred by law enforcement.

Must also be able to perform all essential functions associated with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II above.

Supervisory:
None.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.

All levels must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in a position.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I: Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney II: Must have a minimum of two years of practice as an attorney with criminal trial experience or its equivalent. District court and/or felony trial experience preferred.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III: Must have a minimum of four years of practice as an attorney with at least two years trial experience in the trial of criminal cases.


Requires knowledge of:

Traffic, juvenile and criminal laws of the State of Washington; rules and procedures of district and superior courts; basic techniques of preparation of traffic and criminal cases.

County and local government ordinances, policies and all other applicable regulations and how they interrelate to the authority and legal functions of County government.

Requires the ability to:

All levels:

Present evidence in criminal motions and trials, analyze and apply legal principles; perform basic legal research and apply to facts; present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form; work harmoniously with law enforcement and court personnel and maintain good public relations.

Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Direct the work of legal interns and support staff.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, officials, employees of other departments, and the general public.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney III: In addition to the above, must be able to handle a full felony caseload with minimum supervision and without the need for extensive on-the-job training; and/or have the ability to handle all types of juvenile cases with minimal supervision.


Licenses and/or Certifications:
Licensed and in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association

Valid Washington State driver's license


WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office or courtroom environment. Ability to lift and carry boxes up to 40 pounds.


HAZARDS:

Those present in a normal office or courtroom environment. A physical hazard may occur from hostile general public with threats either verbal, physical or with weapons and exposure to germs from dealing with the public and document handling.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.