Logo

Deputy District Attorney I (#312020)
$45.73-$55.59 Hourly / $7,926.70-$9,634.95 Monthly / $95,120.42-$115,619.41 Yearly
Apply as a Transfer within Same Class applicant


Deputy District Attorney II (#313020)
$61.89-$75.23 Hourly / $10,728.33-$13,040.43 Monthly / $128,739.97-$156,485.19 Yearly
Apply as a Transfer within Same Class applicant


Dep District Attorney III (#313120)
$71.18-$86.52 Hourly / $12,337.65-$14,996.56 Monthly / $148,051.82-$179,958.70 Yearly
Apply as a Transfer within Same Class applicant


Dep District Attorney IV (#313130)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Current Employment Opportunities.
$81.87-$99.52 Hourly / $14,191.11-$17,249.38 Monthly / $170,293.36-$206,992.53 Yearly
Apply as a Transfer within Same Class applicant



CLASS SUMMARY

Deputy District Attorney I

Under direction, practices criminal/civil law in the prosecution of individuals accused of violating the law; performs related duties as required.

Deputy District Attorney II - IV

Under general direction, practices criminal/civil law in the prosecution of individuals accused of violating state and/or local laws; performs related duties as required.

 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Deputy District Attorney I

This is the entry level class for Deputy District Attorney series.  Incumbents learn court procedures, office policy and the application of laws and legal procedures in criminal/civil prosecution and preassigned routine cases while gaining criminal prosecution trial experience.  This class is distinguished from the Deputy District Attorney II in that the latter is more experienced.

Deputy District Attorney II

This class is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney I by the greater difficulty of cases assigned and the lesser degree of supervision received.  This class is distinguished from the Deputy District Attorney III class in that the latter works under general direction on more complex criminal and civil cases.

Deputy District Attorney III

This is an experienced professional level in the Deputy District Attorney series responsible for the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases. Attorneys may be assigned to units specializing in target prosecutions, (e.g., career criminal, welfare fraud, or consumer affairs/environmental protection). This class is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney IV in that the latter is responsible for conduct of the more complex and specialized legal activity.

Deputy District Attorney IV

This is an experienced professional level in the Deputy District Attorney series responsible for the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases.  Attorneys may be assigned to units specializing in target prosecutions, (e.g., career criminal, welfare fraud, or consumer affairs/environmental protection).  This class is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney V in that the latter is responsible for leading and directing attorneys within a division.

Essential Duties

Deputy District Attorney I

Prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor cases; assists in prosecution of felony trials; learns departmental and court policies and procedures by working with experienced staff. 

Assists more experienced staff in reviewing and analyzing evidence, police reports, related documents, prior criminal history, and determining appropriate charges for filing; contacts and interviews witnesses and may make arrangements for testimony of witnesses; may visit the scene of crime. 

Prepares or assists in preparing cases for trials or hearings; examines evidence; researches legal decisions and laws; may request additional investigation; discusses cases with witnesses in court procedure and demeanor. 

Writes legal briefs, appeals, correspondence and other documents needed in case prosecution; researches and maintains currency with case law. 

Meets and communicates with defense attorneys and law enforcement representatives regarding status of cases or related issues; appears for hearings, trials, readiness conferences and related court proceedings; and assists in prosecuting cases. 

Participates in search warrant duty assignment to provide legal advice to local law enforcement agencies in preparing legal and proper search warrants once sufficient experience has been gained. 

Deputy District Attorney II-IV

Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:  

  • Determines appropriate charges for filing, through reviewing and analyzing evidence, police reports and related documents.
  • Prepares cases for presentation in Court by witnesses examining evidence, researching legal decisions and laws; obtaining investigative support; may visit scene of crime; interviews victims and witnesses; assesses the potential of hostile witness testimony; prepares victims and witnesses for court appearances; prepares motions, legal briefs, appeals, correspondence and related documents.
  • Meets and communicates with defense attorneys and law enforcement representatives regarding status of case or related issues.
  • Provides legal advice or information to law enforcement representatives; provides information as appropriate to the general public, the media and community organizations; participates in search warrant duty assignment to provide legal advice to local law enforcement agencies in preparing and executing legal and proper search warrants.
  • Manages an assigned caseload; coordinates court dates and other schedules with all concerned parties; may act as a team leader for attorneys and support staff.
  • May be assigned to lead the work of a prosecution team and/or to train other attorneys in practices and procedures specific to prosecution work or assigned work section.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Deputy District Attorney I

Some knowledge of criminal law; legal principles; rules of evidence; legal research methods; trial/hearing procedures; effective interviewing techniques.

Ability to analyze and evaluate evidence and cases; interview witnesses to obtain required information; deal effectively with people of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; conduct detailed legal research; learn policies, procedures and methods for the prosecution of felonies and misdemeanors; develop effective prosecution strategies; present statement of law clearly and logically in both written and verbal form; collect and analyze data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; learn to effectively present cases in courts and hearings; comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing District Attorney services and operations; demonstrate tact, patience and diplomacy. 

Deputy District Attorney II - IV

Thorough knowledge of criminal laws, civil codes related to areas of special assignments, code of civil procedure; and rules of evidence; legal research methods; courtroom and trial procedures; department policies and operations; effective interviewing techniques; search and seizure laws; effective evidence/data gathering techniques.

Ability to analyze and properly evaluate evidence and cases; interview witnesses to obtain required information; deal effectively with people of various socio economic backgrounds and temperaments; work effectively with others who have objectives counter to assigned role; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; conduct detailed legal research; understand, interpret and explain laws, regulations and policies governing prosecution of felonies and misdemeanors; make decisions and independent judgments; project consequences of decisions; collect data to draw logical conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing prosecution program services and operations; secure cooperation and teamwork among professional and/or support staff; organize and prioritize work assignments; research case law, regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials; prepare a wide variety of legal documents; prepare and present cases in court and at hearings; develop and implement prosecution strategies; present statements of law clearly and logically in both written and verbal form; assess the potential of hostile witness or victim testimony; demonstrate tact, patience and diplomacy. 

Education and Experience

Deputy District Attorney I

No experience required, however, applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.

Deputy District Attorney II

A minimum of six months of criminal prosecution and trial experience as a Deputy District Attorney I or its equivalent which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Three years in the general practice of law may be substituted for the six months criminal law experience.

Deputy District Attorney III

A minimum of one year of criminal prosecution and trial experience as a Deputy District Attorney II or its equivalent (a total of one and one‑half years of criminal prosecution and trial experience as a Deputy District Attorney) which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities. Four years experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for the two years criminal law experience.

Deputy District Attorney IV

A minimum of one year of criminal prosecution and trial experience as a Deputy District Attorney III or its equivalent (a total of two and one‑half years of criminal prosecution and trial experience as a Deputy District Attorney) which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Five years experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for the three years criminal law experience.      

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQ

Active membership in the California State Bar Association is required.  

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license may be required. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Independent travel will be required.
 
Incumbents of this class should demonstrate necessary knowledge and abilities to be promoted to Deputy District Attorney II within 24 months of appointment.
 
Positions allocated to this class are exempt from the provisions of the County's Civil Service ordinances.  Incumbents are hired and retained at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Incumbents may be required to work outside normal business hours.
 
Candidates for all positions in this class will be required to pass a background investigation in accordance with applicable law, regulation and/or policy. 


CLASS: 312020;
CLASS: 313020;
CLASS: 313120;
CLASS: 313130;