Criminal Deputy County Attorney

Gallatin County Attorney's Office Prosecutor

This position is located in the Gallatin County Attorney's office and is responsible for prosecuting felony offenses in the district court, felony and misdemeanor offenses in the youth court, and misdemeanor offenses in the justice court. This position is also responsible for filing involuntary commitment petitions and appears for involuntary commitment proceedings; file child and adult protection actions and performs other duties as assigned, all under the direction of the Gallatin County Attorney.

Responsibilities include:

• Prosecuting criminal offenders, reviewing investigative reports from law enforcement officers and making determinations of what charges to file and who to charge or decline the prosecution.
• Preparing for and making court appearances in non-trial settings such as arraignments, omnibus hearings, change of plea hearings, sentencing hearings, etc. Interviews and prepares witnesses. Prepares court papers. Responds to motions and arguments from the defense.
• Representing the State in court appearance before judges and juries. Preparing witnesses. Preparing jury instructions and exhibits. Examining witnesses. Negotiating plea agreements with defense counsel or defendants unrepresented. Assisting law enforcement officers with search warrants and subpoenas. Doing legal research and preparing legal briefs, memoranda and other documents.
• Advising city and county agencies and other special districts on legal questions pertaining to their functions. Expectation to be on-call at times to respond to law enforcement questions.
• Preparing legal documents for court. Negotiating with parties to resolve contested issues. Appearing in court and handling regular court duties such as preparing witness, investigating evidence and witnesses, and preparing finding of fact, conclusion of law and preparing other arguments either orally or with written briefs.

Other assigned duties include:

• Performing a variety of other duties as assigned by the County Attorney, the Chief Criminal Deputy Attorney and the Special Crimes Chief.

Qualifications include:

This work requires knowledge of state and local statutes, rules, regulations and criminal procedures, and legal terminology and documents. The position also requires the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; exercise courtesy and tact in receiving the public and in giving and obtaining information; and understand and maintain safeguards for sensitive and confidential information.

Education and experience requirements include:

This position requires a degree from an accredited law school and an active membership in the State Bar of Montana.

Supplemental information includes:

Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the County's liability policies. To be considered, the following attachments must be uploaded to your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume and three references
• Legal writing sample

Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.