Description:
Description:General Summary:
Under the general direction of the County Attorney, represents the State of Texas in a variety of criminal and civil matters, including adult misdemeanor prosecution (including Justice of the Peace Courts), juvenile prosecution (misdemeanor and felony), child abuse and neglect cases on behalf of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services pursuant to the Texas Family Code, protective orders, mental health commitments, and civil legal matters. Provides legal guidance and assistance to law enforcement and investigative agencies regarding prosecution-related matters.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The following duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Johnson County reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description as needed.
- Prepares and prosecutes criminal cases from intake through disposition.
- Drafts and reviews pleadings, motions, orders, warrants, legal memoranda, briefs, and related legal documents.
- Conducts legal research and provides legal opinions regarding criminal, civil, and administrative matters.
- Appears in court for hearings, trials, plea negotiations, and other proceedings.
- Prepares for and participates in jury trials, including witness preparation, jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross examination, closing arguments, and post-trial matters.
- Meets and communicates with victims, witnesses, law enforcement officers, investigators, and opposing counsel regarding case preparation and resolution.
- Assists law enforcement officers with search warrants, arrest warrants, probable cause affidavits, and related investigative matters to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures.
- Reviews and evaluates evidence, reports, records, and investigative materials related to assigned cases.
- Negotiates plea agreements and case resolutions with defense counsel.
- Responds to appeals and prepares appellate-related pleadings and responses as necessary.
- Maintains accurate case files, records, correspondence, and documentation.
- Performs administrative and clerical tasks related to assigned caseload and office operations.
- Complies with all County and office policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- At least five (5) years legal experience, preferably in criminal prosecution.
- Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
- Texas Penal Code
- Texas Family Code
- Texas Rules of Evidence
- Local Government Code
- Health and Safety Code
- Civil Practice and Remedies Code
- Texas Tort Claims Act
- Applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and court procedures
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Strong courtroom presentation and trial advocacy skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, case law, and legal precedents.
- Ability to negotiate effectively and resolve conflicts professionally.
- Ability to manage caseload and prioritize competing demands.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions under pressure.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, or managers in the work unit, as well as judges, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, court personnel, victims, witnesses, and the public.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, legal research platforms, and case management systems.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position typically requires fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling and lifting.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Light Work: Performing the essential functions typically requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly.