Deputy Attorney- Criminal & Civil Prosecutor

Position:                              Deputy Attorney- Criminal & Civil Prosecutor       

Classification:                    Full-Time, Exempt

Department:                      Ravalli County Attorney’s Office      

Reports to:                         County Attorney

Posting Date:                     May 15, 2024                                           

Application Deadline:     Until Filled

Position Grade:                 Click or tap here to enter text.          

Rate of Pay:                        $72,000 - 82,000 DOE

Position Schedule:             Mon- Fri                                                       

Benefit Eligible:                 Full Benefits/ PERS

Job Summary:

It is anticipated that the Deputy Attorney will prosecute some combination of felony and misdemeanor crimes in all District, Justice and Youth Courts, Dependency and Neglect proceedings, Involuntary Mental Health Commitments, and Justice Court and felony crimes in District Court and Youth Court.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Dependency and neglect proceedings, to include:
  • review of CFS investigations and affidavits
  • preparation of petitions, motions and other pleadings
  • preparing witnesses, exhibits and evidence for Youth in Need of Care hearings
  • conducting contested evidentiary hearings
  • liaison meetings and activities with Child & Family Service personnel
• Mental health involuntary commitment proceedings, to include:
  • probable cause assessments with Mental Health Professionals
  • facilitating emergency detention on an on-call basis
  • conducting all stages of involuntary commitment proceedings
• Prosecution of misdemeanor and felony crimes and offenses, in adult or youth court, including all aspects of criminal prosecution to include:
  • review of investigations
  • drafting of investigative subpoenas
  • review of search warrant applications
  • making charging decisions and drafting charging documents
  • producing timely discovery
  • conducting appropriate negotiations
  • trial preparation, including witness interviews and preparation
  • pre-trial motions practice, including drafting briefs and conducting hearings
  • coroner inquest proceedings
  • jury and non-jury trials
  • post-conviction proceedings
  • being on-call, as assigned, to assist and advise law enforcement agencies or county departments

Under the direction of the County Attorney, or designated supervisor, this position might involve secondary duties that include, but are not limited to, prosecuting mental health involuntary commitment proceedings, dependency and neglect cases, youth in need of care, and regulatory enforcement actions, representation in adult guardianship proceedings, and other miscellaneous court proceedings, as well as civil litigation and civil projects for the Board of Ravalli County Commissioners, and various other Ravalli County government offices, departments, districts and public offices, as assigned by the County Attorney.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to adhere to strict standards of confidentiality
• Ability to provide legal representation in jury and non-jury trials, and other court hearings and proceedings
• Ability to present oral and written arguments, and communicate effectively in the English language
• Ability to analyze law enforcement investigations and make charging decisions
• Ability to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence and complex legal documents, and analyze legal theories and arguments of opposition
• Knowledge of criminal procedure and laws, and rules of evidence
• Ability to handle conflicts between the public and County departments, work under stress, work late hours, and communicate in contentious situations, all while remaining professional and representing well the County Attorney’s Office
• Ability to accurately implement policy positions of County Attorney
• Ability to distinguish between law and policy
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to advise County entities, including County official, boards and employees
• Knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively perform all essential duties listed above
• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures
• Availability to be on-call, as assigned, to assist and advise law enforcement agencies in criminal matters requiring immediate action, and advise elected officials and county departments on related civil issues
• Skill in the use of a personal computer with Microsoft Office package and related equipment; dictation equipment; on-line and manual legal research
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and handle a full caseload

Because the work of the Deputy Attorney often involves highly volatile family and personal situations, the ability to handle emotionally-charged subject matter is necessary, together with a required high degree of sensitivity, confidentiality and professionalism.

Required Education and Experience:

• have a Doctor of Jurisprudence from an ABA accredited institution
• be admitted and licensed to practice law in the State of Montana in good standing

• authorize and pass criminal background check and personal investigation to the satisfaction of the Ravalli County Attorney

Physical Requirements:

A Deputy Attorney (Criminal Prosecutor) commonly remains in an office or courtroom setting, but out of office and evening meetings are occasionally required.  On occasion, may be required to lift up to 25 pounds, and to visit sites, projects or physical locations involving steep slopes, rough terrain or other difficult environmental conditions.  This position requires occasional day and evening vehicle travel within the State, particularly within Ravalli County and to the state capitol in Helena.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Ravalli County is an equal employment opportunity employer (EEO).  Ravalli County does not refuse employment or discriminate in compensation or the other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment based upon race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, or veteran’s status.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.