DEFINITION:

The main role of the Solicitor is to represent the City of Jonesboro as legal counsel in the prosecution of cases including all traffic offenses, all designated misdemeanors as specified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, all designated City Code ordinance violations, and miscellaneous offenses including parking ticket violations, and code enforcement violations. The Solicitor is responsible for managing and conducting litigation, recommending disposition of cases, conducting legal research, and interpreting laws in preparation for cases that are presented to the Court.

The Solicitor consults regularly with the Judges, Director of Court Services, City Officials including the Chief of Police, the Director of Public Safety, other judges, outside counsel, and other officials to review, discuss, and plan operations and activities pertaining to the court and its efficient operation. The Solicitor acts as counsel and adviser to the City’s sworn police officers when they request legal information on specific elements of crimes and offenses necessary to support legal affidavits for warrants, citations, and other legal documentation needed to perform their jobs more effectively.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  To support the vision, mission, and guiding principles of the City.
• Skills in public/employee relations and problem-solving. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Must have effective communication skills, ability to work in fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of a specific statement from the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

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  Investigation and preparation of cases for trial, representing the Jonesboro Police Department Officers in all stages of court proceedings, and performing additional tasks relating to the function of the department.
• Prepares trial cases: Selects cases for trial, responds to defense motions, investigates cases, interviews witnesses, obtains evidence, researches law and issues, prepares questions and statements, files pre-trial motions, and discusses cases with defense attorneys.
• Tries cases: Delivers opening statements, presents cases, cross-examines defense witnesses, delivers closing arguments, and recommends sentences.
• Represents the Jonesboro Police Department at mandatory status (plea bargain) conferences: Reviews case files, talks to witnesses, formulates plea bargains with defense attorneys, explains proceedings to defendants, and writes out plea bargains.
• Represents the Jonesboro Municipal Court at change of plea dates; presents any bargains to the court and explains the facts and prior history in court.
• Represents the Jonesboro Municipal Court in probation revocations: Discusses cases with probation officers, selects witnesses, obtains court documentation, conducts hearings, determines which violations to proceed with, and reviews the law on alleged violations.
• Represents the Jonesboro Municipal Court in all appeals: Research issues to be appealed and prepares and files briefs.
• Compiles questions and statements for Discovery, files Motions for Discovery with the court, and represents the Jonesboro Police Department at Discovery proceedings.
• Research new statutory and case law on criminal procedures and misdemeanor offenses.
• Advises police agencies in the City of Jonesboro jurisdiction on pre-trial and search and arrest procedures.
• Attends various conferences and seminars to remain current on state laws and prosecutorial procedures.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctorate required; five years as a member of the Georgia Bar Association; supplemented by six (6) years previous experience and/or training that includes municipal law, criminal law, traffic law, prosecution in state/federal courts, general law practice, courtroom procedures, legal research, case management, personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain valid State Bar of Georgia Law License, with membership in good standing to practice law in Georgia Courts. Must possess and maintain valid membership in the Prosecuting Attorneys Council. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license with a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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  Knowledge of state laws, court proceedings, rules of evidence, policies, procedures, and activities of the Solicitor’s office as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Attorney.
• Knowledge of alternative sentencing regulations and available sentencing facilities.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
• Knowledge to keep abreast of any changes in law, policies, regulations, and methods as they relate to departmental operations and activities.
• Knowledge of judiciary transcripts, police reports, crime lab reports, medical reports, intoximeter results, criminal history reports, and procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
• Knowledge of word processing and database computer applications, utilizing word processing in the preparation of legal motions and briefs, and using database applications for performing research functions as required.
• Knowledge of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, state and federal case law, and the Uniform Rules of State Court.
• Skill in computer applications, utilizing software in the preparation of legal documents and with software used in the research of laws and the interpretation of law, case histories, and other pertinent information.
• Ability to interpret and analyze legal information and prepare and present oral and written reports and legal documentation.
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, other staff members, and the public at large.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.

ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other related duties as required.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. The worker needs to relate to people in situations involving more than giving or receiving instructions such as in interpreting assignments and instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

The City of Jonesboro is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer committed to diversity in the workplace.