STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

DCJ Deputy Assistant State's Attorney

Recruitment #230206-2609DP-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all criminal matters in the State of Connecticut. It is an independent agency of the executive branch of state government, established under the Constitution of the State of Connecticut. The Division of Criminal Justice is composed of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney, located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and the Offices of the State's Attorneys for each of the thirteen Judicial Districts in the State of Connecticut.

The Division of Criminal Justice (Division) and its employees are committed to the fair and equal administration of justice in Connecticut. To this end, the Division acknowledges its duty to investigate and prosecute matters within its jurisdiction diligently, ethically and impartially, honoring its constitutional and common law foundations. By ensuring that the criminal laws of the State of Connecticut are enforced fairly and constitutionally, the Division honors the rule of law upon which our nation is founded.  Accomplishing this mission depends upon skill, creativity, and constructive interaction of all Division employees with the law enforcement community and advocacy in the highest traditions of the Office of State's Attorney, the first public prosecutor in America. 

We are recruiting for three (3) full-time DCJ Deputy Assistant State's Attorney for the Hartford Judicial District.  Two (2) of the positions are in District GA14, and are located in Hartford, CT.  One (1) position is in District GA12, and is located in Manchester, CT.  These positions work Monday through Friday, first shift, based on a 40-hour work week, with core hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Note: Please note the salary for newly appointed candidates will be determined based on experience and training, the range is Step 1 $76,216 to Step 4 $85,632.

A prosecutor is a high public official, who is ethically, honor, and duty bound to seek impartial justice for the guilty as well as the innocent and who, in doing so, is beholden to the law, which demands that no passion, prejudice or resentment be brought to bear in its faithful enforcement. 

Through the lens of justice, prosecutors:
  • Have an immense ability to positively impact the criminal justice system.
  • Have the discretion to choose who to charge, what to charge them with, and determine the number and severity of the charges.
  •  Heavily influence the short and long-term outcomes of people impacted by the system.
The consequences of those decisions can mean the difference between the success or failure of someone touched by the system.

NOTES:  
  • Minimum qualifications require membership in the Connecticut Bar Association.  Please be sure to list your juris license number on the application.
  • The incumbent will be required to complete a background check, and appointment to this position is made by the Criminal Justice Commission.
  • The incumbent may be required to travel in the course of their daily work.

Selection Plan

NOTE: Individuals invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualifications for this position. These documents may include: writing samples, performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.  Candidates invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position, such as a resume, performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

All communication with applicants will be through the JobAps system, so applicants are encouraged to check for updates to their JobAps portal account.  Please ensure that you are utilizing the correct email address for notices to be sent to you from the JobAps system.  Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DCJ.HR@ct.gov.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DCJ.HR@ct.gov, 860-258-5800.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Division of Criminal Justice, this class is accountable for receiving training and representing the interests of the state in prosecution of assigned criminal and motor vehicle cases and infractions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Reviews all documentation relative to assigned criminal cases and infractions and directs supplemental or further investigation; prepares cases for arraignment, selecting appropriate charges, preparing original statement of facts; reviews outstanding defense motions and prepares responses or objections as appropriate; interviews witnesses and victims; evaluates strengths and weaknesses of case in light of above findings; initiates and completes related legal research; responsible for plea negotiation with defense attorneys; conducts pre-trial conferences; conducts jury selection; tries cases before juries, three-judge panels, single judge or magistrate; may prepare appellate material for submission to Chief State's Attorney's Office after conviction; reviews applications for arrest warrants and - upon approval - signs and presents to presiding judge for final review and signature; may review applications for search and seizure warrants; maintains liaison with and functions as resource to state and local police; advises victims of crimes as to their rights and directs them to the appropriate supportive agencies; defends petitions of habeas corpus including preparation of pleadings, argument of motions, and trial of action; if a member of the Appellate Unit, defends appeals brought by convicted defendants before the Appellate Court and Supreme Court; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of criminal law and legal process, legal principles and practice; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant State and federal criminal law; knowledge of the statutory authority, operation and administration of the Division of Criminal Justice; considerable interpersonal skill; considerable negotiating skill, considerable trial and counseling skills; considerable oral and written communication skill; considerable ability to analyze legal problems, present statements of fact, law and argument; ability to write legal briefs and supporting documentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Deputy Assistant State's Attorney shall, at the time of appointment be an attorney at law with membership in good standing with the Connecticut Bar. 

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.