Description:
Summary:The Valley County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the Deputy Criminal Prosecutor in the Office's criminal division. The Deputy Prosecutor will serve as the criminal prosecutor primarily responsible for misdemeanor and infraction cases.
The ideal candidate brings some experience in criminal prosecution, a commitment to justice, and the integrity, determination, and skill required to manage challenging cases with confidence and compassion. The position primarily reviews cases referred to the Office by law enforcement agencies, determines if and what criminal charges will be filed, and handles all phases of prosecution both in and out of court. The incumbent acts on behalf of the Chief Deputy Prosecutor in their absence. Wide latitude is given for independent judgment and initiative.
This is a full-time position with full employee benefits.
Position Overview & Core Responsibilities
The Deputy Criminal Prosecutor manages all misdemeanor, juvenile, and infraction proceedings charged by the Valley County Sheriff's Office, the Idaho State Police, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and juvenile cases originated by the McCall Police Department. Serving as a core litigator for the office, the Deputy Prosecutor reviews police reports, determines charging decisions, prepares criminal complaints, and directs cases through every stage of judicial proceedings—from initial appearances and motion practice to bench and jury trials. Additionally, this position handles all misdemeanor and juvenile appeals, including drafting appellate briefs and presenting arguments before the District Court.
This role works directly alongside law enforcement personnel, assisting with search warrant preparation, providing ongoing advice on criminal investigations, and conducting legal education and training for partnering agencies. On a rotating basis, the Deputy Prosecutor maintains 24/7 on-call availability to respond to after-hours law enforcement inquiries, emergency warrant requests, and active crime scenes. The position actively handles probation violations, bond revocations, and post-conviction matters, while reviewing legal documentation to ensure strict adherence to court procedures and local rules. In addition, the Deputy Prosecutor works closely with the Victim/Witness Coordinator to guide victims and witnesses through court proceedings and advocate for restitution.
Collaborating across county departments and regional stakeholders, the Deputy Prosecutor works in tandem with the Chief Deputy Prosecutor on felony charging decisions, grand jury proceedings, and preliminary hearings, with opportunities to co-try felony matters. The Deputy Prosecutor also collaborates with the civil division on mental health holds and child protection hearings, and represents the office on the regional Multidisciplinary Team for child abuse cases and joint agency Command Staff meetings. Throughout all duties, the Deputy Prosecutor maintains a professional, courteous demeanor and fosters strong, productive relationships with court staff, defense counsel, law enforcement officers, and the public.
To view the official Valley County job description for this position, click here: Deputy Criminal Prosecutor. (Download PDF reader)
Typical Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and possess an active license to practice law in Idaho as a member in good standing with the Idaho State Bar, with prior trial or criminal law practice experience preferred. Applicants should bring a comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local criminal statutes, criminal procedure, constitutional law, rules of evidence, and prosecutorial ethics, paired with a sound understanding of law enforcement protocols, court operations, and judicial terminology. Advanced proficiency in legal research, factual analysis, evidence evaluation, and synthesizing complex information is essential, along with intermediate computer skills using standard legal software, case management systems, and case documentation practices.
Qualified candidates will demonstrate the ability to independently manage judicial proceedings, examine witnesses, present evidence, and deliver persuasive oral arguments before judges and juries. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required to clearly articulate case theory, negotiate effective resolutions, and collaborate smoothly across a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, the role demands strong time-management skills to handle high-volume, time-sensitive caseloads with accuracy and composure under pressure. Above all, the successful candidate must exhibit unwavering honesty, personal integrity, and sound judgment, maintaining a professional demeanor that reflects community expectations and the solemn responsibility of prosecutorial decisions.
