Attorney ll - Criminal

Hays County Prosecutor

Under general direction, prosecutes felony and misdemeanor offenses for Hays County. Individuals in this position serve at the pleasure of the current elected official.

Responsibilities include:

• Prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes committed by adults and juveniles, including jury and non-jury trials.
• Handling assigned cases from intake through appeal.
• Planning casework, conducting arraignment proceedings, reviewing physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing trial exhibits, filing motions and briefs, negotiating pleas, selecting juries, drafting jury arguments for verdicts and sentences, and trying cases.
• Evaluating cases for presentation to the grand jury by reviewing police incident and investigation reports, reviewing criminal histories, requesting additional investigative information, interviewing and preparing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and drafting indictments.
• Conducting negotiations and other legal discussions with opposing counsel, including pre-trial legal issues, evidentiary suppression issues, and sentencing recommendations.
• Screening protective orders, negotiating resolutions, and representing applicants in hearings.
• Handling appeals by reviewing legal issues, conducting legal research, reviewing court transcripts, preparing briefs, and presenting oral arguments in appellate courts.
• Counseling and discussing cases with probation officers, law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses.
• Responding to citizen inquiries regarding legal issues and current cases.
• Ensuring that trial and other legal deadlines are met.
• Some positions occasionally handle county civil work.
• Some positions provide training to court appointed special advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, women's center volunteers, and/or others.
• Some positions handle cases before Justices of the Peace.
• Representing the State in magistration hearings, hearings relating to emergency protective orders, and examining trials.
• Attending hearings either remotely or in person, as required, at irregular times and dates, including weekends and some holidays relating to participation by counsel at magistration.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• At least 12 months experience as a licensed attorney.
• License to practice law in the State of Texas.
• Valid Texas driver's license.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work less than 30 hours per week over the course of a year, receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis.