DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

The Sutter County District Attorney's Office is hiring Deputy District Attorney's to join their team. This is a continuous recruitment and applications will be reviewed every two weeks.

Vacancies may fill at either the I, II, III, or IV level. Candidates need only apply once; all applications will be screened for the minimum requirements at the highest level they are qualified for. In the case of higher-level vacancies, names from the eligible list will be referred based on qualifying level. For lower-level vacancies, higher level candidates on the eligible list may not be excluded from being referred.

To view the specific job descriptions for each level, please follow the links below:

Deputy District Attorney I
Salary: $39.89 - $53.69 Hourly; $82,971 - $111,674 Annually

Deputy District Attorney II
Salary: $43.01 - $58.08 Hourly; $89,466 - $120,797 Annually

Deputy District Attorney III
Salary: $47.71 - $64.17 Hourly; $99,247 - $133,467 Annually

Deputy District Attorney IV
Salary: $54.79 - $73.63 Hourly; $113,965 - $153,146 Annually

Deputy District Attorney I is the entry level of the Deputy District Attorney series for attorneys without previous legal experience. Assignments are generally limited in scope and are set within procedural frameworks established by higher level positions. As experience accrues, the incumbent performs with increasing independence. Work requires incumbents to exercise some judgment in selecting appropriate established guidelines to follow. Significant deviations require prior approval. Interpretation of general administrative or operational policies is sometimes necessary.

Deputy District Attorney II is characterized as the full working level assigned all phases of legal work of average difficulty under general supervision and direction within a framework of established procedures. At this level, incumbents work with only occasional instruction or assistance. Work is reviewed upon completion and for overall results; requires frequent interpretation of policies, procedures and guidelines; and may require the development of recommendations consistent with directives, policies and regulations.

Deputy District Attorney III is characterized as the advanced working level consistently assigned difficult and complex criminal and civil cases or civil legal work done under minimum direction. This classification possesses a significant level of specialized, technical or functional expertise beyond that expected at the journey level and exercises no or only limited supervisory responsibilities. Positions at this level require highly specialized knowledge, abilities, skills and experience and often exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties. Work is judged primarily on overall results with great latitude in determining work methods and assignment requirements. Work may require the development of recommendations consistent with directives, policies and regulations. Employees have greater authority over assignments and decisions required to complete the work than lower level classifications.

Deputy District Attorney IV works under the direction of higher level management staff and emphasis is on supervision and performing the more complex work of the Misdemeanor and Juvenile Divisions. Work is performed within a broad framework of general policy; and requires creativity and resourcefulness to accomplish goals and objectives, and in applying concepts, plans and strategies which may deviate from traditional methods and practices. It is distinguished from the Deputy District Attorney III, by the supervisory responsibilities of the Misdemeanor and Juvenile Divisions. It is distinguished from the Assistant District Attorney in that the scope is less broad and does not have overall responsibility for the administration and operation of the department.

NOTICE: All correspondences, notices and invitations to test and/or interview will be via e-mail through Governmentjobs.com/NEOGOV. Please be sure to set-up your inbox to receive them or check your junk-mail to make sure you are receiving Sutter County's recruitment communications.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.

Deputy District Attorney I:

1. Prepares trial cases; reviews reports; interviews witnesses; obtains, reviews, and analyzes evidence; researches laws and issues; prepares questions and statements; represents the People at pre-trial motions; discusses cases with defense attorneys.
2. Tries cases; prepares briefs and legal memoranda; delivers opening statements; presents case; cross-examines defense witnesses; delivers closing arguments; represents the People at hearings related to each case.
3. Researches law and drafts myriad legal complaints, motions, memoranda, liens, and other documents relating to cases assigned; reviews documents for complete and accurate information; forwards documents to supervisory personnel for review and revision; files documents with the Court in compliance with applicable law.
4. Represents the People at settlement conferences; reviews case files; talks to witnesses; determines the need for restitution; explains proceedings to defendants; presents any settlements to the court and explains the facts and prior history in court.
5. Represents the interests of dependent children; reviews related reports; meets with minor children; interviews witnesses; obtains and reviews evidence; researches laws and issues; represents the child during dispositional proceedings.
6. Attends continuing education courses to maintain knowledge of current law and legal procedures.
7. Participate in ride-alongs with law enforcement to observe law enforcement practices and activities.

Deputy District Attorney II:

1. Prepares trial cases; reviews reports; interviews witnesses; obtains, reviews, and analyzes evidence; researches laws and issues; prepares questions and statements; represents the People at pre-trial motions; discusses cases with defense attorneys.
2. Tries cases; prepares briefs and legal memoranda; delivers opening statements; presents case; cross-examines defense witnesses; delivers closing arguments; represents the People at all hearings related to each case.
3. Researches law and drafts myriad legal complaints, motions, memoranda, liens, and other documents relating to cases assigned; reviews documents for complete and accurate information; files documents in stipulation with applicable law.
4. Represents the People at mandatory plea bargain and settlement conferences; reviews case files; talks to witnesses; determines the need for restitution.
5. Formulates plea bargains with defense attorneys; explains proceedings to defendants; writes out plea bargains; represents the People at change of plea dates; presents any bargains to the court and explains the facts and prior history in court.
6. Represents the interests of dependent children; reviews related reports; meets with minor children; interviews witnesses; obtains and reviews evidence; researches laws and issues; represents the child during dispositional proceedings.
7. Represents the People during jurisdictional proceedings; advises support staff in case preparation and obtaining evidence; assists support staff in the completion of required documents required for each case.
8. Reviews legal documents prepared by legal staff to ensure complete and accurate information; revises documentation as appropriate and approves accordingly.
9. Trains new attorneys on applicable laws and regulations, legal procedures, and office policy.
10. Represents Sutter County at local and state legal conferences and seminars to maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations; provide input and analysis.
11. Attends continuing education courses to maintain knowledge of current law and legal procedures.
12. Participate in ride-alongs with law enforcement to observe law enforcement practices and activities.

Deputy District Attorney III:

1. Prepares trial cases; reviews reports; responds to defense motions; interviews witnesses; obtains, reviews, and analyzes evidence; researches laws and issues; prepares questions and statements; represents the People at pre-trial motions; discusses cases with defense attorneys.
2. Tries cases; prepares briefs and legal memoranda; delivers opening statements; presents case; cross-examines defense witnesses; delivers closing arguments; represents the People at all hearings related to each case.
3. Researches law and drafts legal motions and other documents relating to cases assigned; reviews documents for complete and accurate information; files documents in accord with applicable law.
4. Represents the People at plea bargain conferences; reviews case files; talks to witnesses; determines the need for restitution; formulates plea bargains with defense attorneys; explains proceedings to defendants; writes out plea bargains.
5. Represents the People at change of plea dates; presents any bargains to the court and explains the facts and prior history in court.
6. Represents the interests of dependent children; reviews related reports; meets with minor children; interviews witnesses; obtains and reviews evidence; researches laws and issues; represents the child during dispositional proceedings.
7. Represents the People during jurisdictional proceedings; advises support staff in case preparation and obtaining evidence; assists support staff in the completion of required documents required for each case.
8. Attends continuing education courses to maintain knowledge of current law and legal procedures.
9. Participate in ride-alongs with law enforcement to observe law enforcement practices and activities.

Deputy District Attorney IV:

1. Organizes and supervises operations and activities of the Misdemeanor and Juvenile Division.
2. Oversees the preparation of trial cases in the Misdemeanor and Juvenile Division; reviews reports and documents; supervises and reviews charges to be filed; researches laws and issues; responds to defense motions; interviews witnesses; prepares questions and statements; discusses cases with defense attorneys.
3. Plans, organizes, supervises, trains, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; sets goals and performance standards for the division.
4. Tries more complex criminal cases; prepares briefs and legal memoranda; delivers opening statements; presents cases; cross-examines defense witnesses; delivers closing arguments; represents the State at hearings related to each case.
5. Consults with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, District Attorney, and the Assistant District Attorney, in the performance of assigned duties; interacts with and provides advice to witnesses, victims, and the general public.
6. Lectures on laws of evidence, penal code, and criminal procedure to various legal, civic, professional, education, and other groups.
7. Reviews legal documents prepared by legal staff to ensure complete and accurate information and to verify documents are within legal standards; revises documentation as appropriate; approves for processing or filing.
8. Responsible for District Attorney programs in the Criminal Division such as the Wire Taps and Sexual Violent Predators Programs. Oversees cooperative prosecution efforts and coordination with the California District Attorneys Association for Environmental prosecution and Workmen's Compensation Fraud.
9. Participate in ride-alongs with law enforcement to observe law enforcement practices and activities.

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position. Possession of these qualifications does not ensure that an applicant will be interviewed. Applications will be reviewed in comparison with all other applications received.

Knowledge of: State laws, court proceedings, rules of evidence, policies, procedures, and activities of the District Attorney's Office consistent with the highest standards of the legal profession and with the level of difficulty and expertise required for this position.

Ability to: Use communication skills and techniques required for gathering and transmitting information at all levels of the judiciary; define problem areas; conduct the collection, interpretation, and evaluation of data; validate conclusions; define and select alternatives; coordinate and initiate action necessary to implement recommendations; research issues and interpret complex regulations, laws, and guidelines; interpret medical and scientific reports; compile legal documents; coordinate objectives and policies.

Education and Experience:
Deputy District Attorney I:
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Deputy District Attorney II:

A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and one year of experience as an Attorney I with Sutter County; experience as an attorney in a District Attorney's office, County Counsel, or Public Defender's office in another public agency may be considered equivalent for appointment or promotion in the corresponding District Attorney's, County Counsel, or Public Defender's Office in Sutter County, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Deputy District Attorney III:

A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and two years of experience as an Attorney II with Sutter County; experience as an attorney in a District Attorney's office, County Counsel, or Public Defender's office in another public agency may be considered equivalent for appointment or promotion in the corresponding District Attorney's, County Counsel, or Public Defender's Office in Sutter County, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Deputy District Attorney IV:
A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Four years progressively responsible criminal prosecution, including one year equivalent to a Deputy District Attorney III with Sutter County; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Essential duties require the following physical skills and work requirements:
Requires the ability to maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under varied circumstances; the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; ability to think and act quickly in emergencies; effectively deal with personal danger; ability to see; may require prolonged visual concentration; ability to hear and communicate orally; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as using a computer, typing, data entry or use of other office equipment or supplies; ability to operate a motor vehicle.

License or Certificate:
Membership in the of the California State Bar. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

Recruitment Process:
The recruitment process for this position includes completing an application and participating in oral interview(s). Please notify the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date for this position if you believe you have a disability, which would make it difficult to participate in any portion of the recruitment process and would require reasonable accommodation. Sutter County reserves the right to require medical documentation concerning the need for accommodation. Offers of employment are contingent upon investigation of employment history, references, drug testing, medical review/exam and fingerprinting in addition to other appropriate requirements of the position.

NOTE: Sutter County utilizes E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of employees to work in the United States.

The County of Sutter is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Sutter County encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.