Deputy County Attorney

About This Role

This Deputy County Attorney position performs legal duties within the criminal division for the Missoula County Attorney's Office, prosecuting criminal offenders in Justice and District Courts. The role involves reviewing investigative reports, determining charges, filing documents, and representing the State in court.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute criminal offenders primarily in Justice Court and District Courts
• Review investigative reports from law enforcement officers
• Determine what charges to file and who to charge or whether to decline prosecution
• File charging documents
• Keep victims advised of case status
• Prepare for and make court appearances in non-trial settings (arraignments, omnibus hearings, change of plea hearings, sentencing hearings)
• Interview and prepare witnesses
• Prepare court documents
• Respond to motions and arguments from defendants
• Represent the State in court appearances before judges and juries
• Prepare jury instructions and exhibits
• Examine witnesses
• Negotiate plea agreements with defense counsel and unrepresented defendants
• Assist law enforcement officers with search warrant applications and requests for investigative subpoenas
• Perform legal research and prepare legal briefs, memoranda and other documents
• Advise county agencies on legal questions pertaining to their functions
• Prepare legal opinions, interpret statutes, codes and ordinances
• Review staff reports and assist with complicated communications
• Prepare legal documents for court
• Negotiate with parties to resolve contested issues
• Appear in court and handle regular court duties such as preparing witness, investigating evidence and witnesses, preparing findings of fact and conclusions of law and preparing other arguments, either orally or with written briefs

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree
• Licensed, or eligible to become licensed, to practice law in Montana

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree
• No prior legal experience required