DEPUTY CITY PROSECUTOR *

fortsmithar.gov; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal legal department in the United Kingdom is seeking a Deputy City Prosecuting Attorney. The successful candidate will assist in prosecuting criminal misdemeanors and traffic violations. Requirements include a Juris Doctor degree, admission to the Arkansas Supreme Court, and at least three years of criminal trial experience. The role demands excellent communication skills and the ability to handle legal research. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice before the Arkansas Supreme Court.
• At least 3 years of prior trial experience in criminal prosecution or defense.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the prosecution of criminal misdemeanors and violations.
• Prepare for trial by interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
• Engage in plea negotiations with defense counsel.
• Interact with the public and law enforcement.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Analytical ability

Problem-solving skills

Computer skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or advanced law degree

Job description

Job Description

The incumbent is under the direction and supervision of the City Prosecuting Attorney. The Deputy City Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for assisting in the prosecution of all criminal misdemeanors, traffic violations and violations of city ordinances arising in the City of Fort Smith and prosecuted through the Fort Smith District Court. The City Prosecutor’s Office has concurrent misdemeanor jurisdiction with the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney except in those misdemeanor cases specifically designated for prosecution by the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney. The City Prosecutor shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city ordinance. The Deputy City Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for assisting with the activities of the City Prosecuting Attorney in the execution of his/her office.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

1. Assume the responsibility and operations of the City Prosecuting Attorney Office in the absence of the City Prosecuting Attorney. Ensure that all activities are performed in an ethical and professional manner and serve the best interest of the citizens of the City of Fort Smith;
2. Provide assistance in criminal investigations, provide advice on charges to be filed and the evidence that will support them. Provide answers to questions relating to criminal procedure. Act as a liaison with other prosecuting authorities, the various courts and with other law enforcement authorities;
3. Review police reports and citizen complaints, investigate those reports and citizen complaints if needed, prepare and file appropriate criminal charges, traffic violations and violations of city ordinance. Prepare search warrants and affidavits for the issuance of warrants of arrest;
4. Review driver histories and criminal histories before making a recommendation for filing or disposition. Obtain evidence of prior criminal convictions and DWI’s prior to plea or trial;
5. Attend arraignments and make recommendations to the court regarding bonds, pleas and dispositions. Review arraignment dockets to determine cases seeking jail time;
6. Assist the City Prosecuting Attorney in preparing for trial by interviewing witnesses and reviewing all evidence prior to trial. File relevant motions and respond to motions filed by a defendant. Conduct necessary legal research on issues arising before the court and provide briefs when required;
7. Engage in plea negotiations with defense counsel and pro se defendants and present those agreements to the court. Seek restitution for victims in appropriate cases. Monitor the payment of restitution and take legal action in cases in which restitution is not paid as the court ordered. Upon entry of a judgment in Circuit Court or other appellate court, the Prosecutor will provide the District Court Clerk with a copy of the appellate court’s judgment. The Prosecutor shall be responsible for monitoring all terms and conditions that are part of the appellate court’s judgment and taking appropriate action;
8. Request that the court issue a warrant for failure to appear when a defendant does not appear for court, prepare witness lists and submit subpoena requests electronically to the district court business office so that the clerk of the court can issue subpoenas. Draft and file petitions to revoke suspended sentences;
9. Interact with the public, law enforcement and city officials to determine and develop ways of addressing ongoing and/or potential criminal activity and violations of city code. Facilitate the exchange of information and encourage the development of open lines of communication between these groups;
10. Cover duties, trials and specialty court team duties during the absence of the City Prosecuting Attorney;
11. Complete at least 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) each year as required by the Arkansas Supreme Court in order to maintain a current Arkansas Law License. The primary focus of the CLE should deal with issues of criminal law, criminal procedure or the prosecution of traffic offenses. The CLE should also afford him the opportunity to review the most current criminal case law as well as new methods of prosecuting criminal defendants;
12. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned;
13. Regular attendance and timeliness is required.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

The candidate must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.), Legum Doctor (L.L.D.), or advanced law degree from an accredited school of law. The candidate must be admitted to practice before the Arkansas Supreme Court. The person must have at least 3 years prior trial experience with some of the experience being in the area of criminal prosecution or defense or extensive experience in the prosecution of all types of misdemeanor and traffic cases in a district court or similar limited jurisdiction court .

Other Skills and Abilities

The incumbent should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and present self in a confident and professional manner. Problem solving and analytical ability is required to perform the duties of this position. The ability to perform basic research is also required. Proficient computer and organizational skills are preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, walk, talk and hear. Occasionally sit; use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, distance and peripheral vision. The ability to adjust focus is also required. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

This position operates in a team environment and will be expected to work in a collaborative manner with other staff members, outside agencies and all patrons of the Court. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.