Deputy Attorney General I/II/III/IV

Deputy Attorney General I/II/III/IV

An attorney in the Insurance Fraud Section/Criminal Law Division investigates and prosecutes all forms and types of insurance fraud. The duties are divided into two related and inextricably bound stages: investigative and prosecutorial.

The investigative stage begins with the assignment of a referral of suspected insurance fraud to an attorney and an agent. The attorney and agent will work together to coordinate and to conduct the investigation. The complexity of the matter to be investigated determines the nature of the investigative tools used. Generally, the more simple investigations involve a review of insurance company records and other relevant documentation, interviewing witnesses, and the preparation and execution of search warrants when necessary. In the more complex, long term investigations, the Grand Jury and electronic surveillance might be needed.

Once an investigation is completed and a decision is made to pursue a prosecution, either a complaint or a Grand Jury Presentment is prepared. Following arrest, the assigned attorney is responsible for all phases of prosecution, including arraignment, preliminary hearing, pretrial conference, pretrial motions/hearings, trial (bench/jury), post-trial motions/hearings, and sentencing hearings.

An intimate knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure is necessary to perform these duties. The work of a Deputy Attorney General (DAG I) initially entails work of a simple or routine nature. As experience is gained, more difficult tasks are assigned. As a Deputy Attorney General II (DAG II) gains experience, work increases in complexity and is performed with more independence. A Deputy Attorney General III (DAG III) will work independently on most matters. A Deputy Attorney General IV (DAG IV) works independently except in extraordinary cases.

Examples Of Duties

• Reviews initial referrals of suspected insurance fraud for prosecutorial merit
• Develops investigative plans based upon the nature of the matter to be investigated (simple/complex) in conjunction with assigned agents
• Directs investigations determining what investigative steps to take and investigative tools to use to achieve appropriate/just investigative outcome
• Monitors investigations, assessing progress and adjusting investigative strategies when needed
• Keeps supervisor informed of the progress and potential outcome of investigations
• Determines, along with agents and in consultation with superiors, whether to pursue a prosecution
• Prepares/reviews/approves charging documents in conjunction with agents if prosecution is pursued
• Represents the Commonwealth post arrest and throughout all stages of the criminal prosecution including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, pretrial motions/hearings, trials (bench/jury), post-trial motions/hearings, and sentencing hearings

Minimum Experience and Training

Deputy Attorney General I:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law and admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Deputy Attorney General II:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work

Deputy Attorney General III:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work (preferably as a criminal litigator)

Deputy Attorney General IV:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and ten years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work (preferably as a criminal litigator)

Health Benefits This position qualifies you for the Commonwealth's benefits package which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Medical coverage is available on your first day of employment! Prescription is also available on your first day, for an additional cost for the first 90 days of employment. Dental and vision are available after 90 days of employment as well. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are available to all employees, regardless of enrollment in our benefits. Paid Time Off OAG employees receive 12 paid holidays each calendar year, along with earning paid vacation time and sick leave each pay period. Retirement For new employees, the State Employees' Retirement System offers various options for enrollment into our retirement plans. You will receive specific information on these options shortly after you begin employment.