Closing Date: 17th March, 2026

Description:

Job Description Summary:
The Assistant City Prosecutor prosecutes misdemeanor criminal, civil traffic, and municipal code and zoning cases with the goal of administering justice and advocating for victims' rights.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of two years' experience in Prosecution and/or Criminal Defense, as well as experience conducting Bench and Jury Trials, and managing pre-trial conferences. The candidate will need to possess strong communication skills in speaking with represented as well as unrepresented defendants. A familiarity with Criminal Motion Practice and “Prosecutor by Karpel” or a similar case management system is preferred. Position requires a valid Arizona Bar License in good standing.

At the City of Goodyear, you will be a part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals that are committed to build and maintain a highly engaged workforce. You will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation. We believe that successful employees are those that possess these six core values:
Adaptability - Integrity - Initiative - Empathy - Optimism – Innovation

Only a limited number of the most qualified applicants meeting the City's requirements will be invited for an interview. The examination process for this position will consist of a panel interview. All communication regarding application status and interview notifications will be sent via email- please monitor your junk/spam email for communication as it will come from a system generated source.

Essential Functions:
This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following functions do not identify all duties performed by the incumbent. Other duties and responsibilities will be performed as assigned.

Initiates criminal, city code, or probation violation charges; reviews investigations from various law enforcement agencies for legal and factual sufficiency; confirms that cases are misdemeanor-appropriate and not felony-eligible; performs legal research and writes legal memorandums documenting reasons for case dispositions; notifies victims of criminal charges, their rights, and educate victims on the criminal justice system; prepares and files charging documents with the court; and ensures proper service of summons/petitions and the issuance of warrants.

Reviews/prepares cases for arraignments, pre-trial conferences, and probation violation; reviews investigations for legal and factual sufficiency; formulates plea offers; prepares any amendments or allegations; contacts victims, explains victims' rights and gathers input for possible plea offers; works with victims and victim advocates to ensure that victims' rights are recognized and followed; corresponds with witnesses and defense bar; and monitors probation cases.
Conducts arraignments and pre-trial conferences; presents arguments and sentencing recommendations to the court; makes recommendations for conditions of release; negotiates plea agreements; and ensures defendants understand their legal rights and alternatives.
Prepares cases for trial/restitution/sentencing/probation hearings; subpoenas witnesses; obtains and evaluates physical evidence; discusses case and trial procedure/strategy with victims, law/code enforcement, and witnesses; interviews defense witnesses; prepares a theory or theme for the case and anticipates legal problems or objections and performs legal research when necessary; files appropriate pre-trial motions if applicable.
Conducts bench trials, jury trials, and probation violation hearings; litigates cases; ensures a proper legal record; and advocates for victim rights.
Possesses the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment as well as effectively collaborate with a team-oriented office
Researches legal motions, appeals, special actions, and petitions for review in response to defense or in support of the State's position; writes legal motions, appeals, special actions, and petitions for review; and presents oral arguments to Municipal, Superior, Court of Appeals, and Arizona Supreme Courts.
Attends law/code enforcement meetings; advises law/code enforcement of new laws, cases, and legal challenges; prepares advisory legal memorandums for law/code enforcement; advises law/code enforcement regarding alternative methods and procedures that would assist in successful prosecution; assists in the training of law/code enforcement officers; responds to law enforcement officers' questions/concerns and explains legal reasoning regarding disposition of cases; and reviews legislation and determines how it will impact criminal/code prosecution.
Participates in competency hearings; reviews mental health reports; prepares necessary legal motions; argues State's legal position; and advocates for victim safety.

Requirements:

Formal Education/Knowledge: Work requires specialized knowledge in a professional or technical field. Work requires professional level of knowledge of a discipline equivalent to that which is acquired in a Masters degree-level of study, P.E., Legal degree, CPA, etc. Appropriate certification may be required.
Experience: Experience in the practice of Criminal Law preferred.
Certifications and Other Requirements: Valid Driver's License, Graduate of Law School, Licensed to practice law in Arizona.
Reading: Work requires the ability to read legal statutes and ordinances, legal books, and memorandums.
Math: Work requires the ability to perform general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Writing: Work requires the ability to write legal motions, appeals, special actions, and advisory memorandums.
Managerial: Semi-Complex – Work requires the occasional direction of helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.
Budget Responsibility: Has no budgetary responsibility.
Policy/Decision Making: Moderate - The employee normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Projects and daily work are managed with little oversight; however special assignments and significant work products may be reviewed upon completion. Typically positions in this category are supervisor to mid-management jobs.
Technical Skills: Broad Application - Work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs, solutions for highly complex issues, and/or processes organization-wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills: High - Interactions at this level typically result in recommendations regarding policy development, changes in policy, and implementation of policies. Interactions at this level are typically concerned with providing communications at higher levels of organizational operations and may utilize activities such as evaluating customer satisfaction, developing cooperative associations, and allocating resources to improve work operations, work quality, overall achievement of organizational goals and objectives, and customer satisfaction.

12 Month Objectives
Learn and complete all regular responsibilities listed in the job description and specifically accomplish the following major objectives:
Attend and complete City of Goodyear New Employee Orientation and other required City Employee Training as necessary.

Become familiar with City of Goodyear's Policies and Core Values.

Become familiar with City of Goodyear Prosecutor's Office Policies and Protocols.

Become familiar with victim rights laws.

Become familiar with Arizona's DUI and traffic laws.

Successfully participate in pre-trial conferences and regularly scheduled court hearings

Become familiar with prosecution case management system (Prosecutor by Karpel) and internal office forms and documents.

Represent City in bench and jury trials as well as evidentiary hearings and oral arguments.

Evaluate long-form submittals and make charging determinations.

Participate in police ride—along with Goodyear DUI officer.

Attend police meetings as needed.

Conduct legal research and write motions, appeals, special actions, and petitions for review.

Assist Office in creating policies and procedures that improve operations/efficiency and streamline work processes.

Perform all other responsibilities assigned by the Goodyear City Prosecutor.