Misdemeanor Prosecutor II - District Attorney

Misdemeanor Prosecutor II

This posting may close at any time once a sufficient number of applications have been received. The Misdemeanor Prosecutor II performs professional legal work and administrative services for the legal department of assignment. Work involves prosecuting jury and non-jury trials and/or negotiating settlements, and preparing various briefs, motions, and other legal devices, as necessary. Employee is also responsible for performing legal research in the preparation of trials, assisting in preparation and management of court dockets, and assisting and advising law enforcement personnel in the preparation of search and arrest warrants.

Examples of duties include attending daily docket call, consulting weekly docket list and obtaining and reviewing appropriate case files; advising courtroom of docket call procedures. Answers phones and inquiries regarding witness issues and case status. Performs various administrative duties associated with managing a docket of active cases, including docket management and new case management. Prepares and conducts hearings on probation revocations and adjudications of guilt; prepares and conducts open plea hearings, motions to suppress, and other hearings scheduled in the assigned court. Participates in all phases of court trial, including the opening statement, the presentation of the State's case, rebut of the defense's case if one is presented, and the punishment phase of the trial. Advises unrepresented defendants of rights and plea options; completes paperwork for pleas; obtains pleas or requests for appointed attorneys from defendants, as appropriate. Prepares and requests bond forfeiture and arrest warrants for defendants not appearing as scheduled in court. Prepares misdemeanor cases for trial, including reviewing case files, advising and negotiating, providing discovery, conferring with law enforcement and judicial personnel, following up with witnesses after trial to inform them of outcome and ways to improve testimony, locating witnesses and defendants, interviewing victims and witnesses, performing legal research, conferring with victims and their families, investigating incidents, visiting crime scenes, and examining physical evidence. Requests preparation of jury charges; prepares voir dire examination; reviews jury list and conducts jury selection. Participates in mental hearings as necessary. Performs a variety of administrative duties in support of the court and department; oversees process for new case intake as necessary. Regular and punctual attendance is required. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum qualifications include a doctorate degree and a license to practice law in the State of Texas. Must be able to pass a State Criminal History background check.

Denton County offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. These programs include group health plans for medical and dental coverage; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life; disability, and long term care insurance; and flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care reimbursements. The County also provides retirement benefits. Full time employees participate in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS), and employees may also participate in a retirement savings program (Deferred Compensation). In addition to these "basic employee benefits" and retirement services, employees benefit from a variety of other programs including 12 paid holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, a Wellness Program, and more. Denton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, mental or physical disability, age, national origin or veteran status.