Assistant District Attorney - County of Berks

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POSITION SUMMARY:

District Attorneys make the decision whether or not to prosecute a person accused of a crime. After conducting investigations and reviewing evidence, if the District Attorney believes that the accused is guilty of said crime, then the District Attorney moves forward with a Prosecution. Depending on the facts, the District Attorney may divert the accused to a recovery program, drug treatment program or other similar program, or, in lieu of prosecuting the accused, or to prosecute with a lower offense, District Attorneys may offer and/or accept Plea Bargains/Agreements. If the District Attorney believes that the evidence is weak or nonexistent, the District Attorney may dismiss the case altogether.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Represent the Commonwealth at preliminary hearings by evaluating charges, interviewing witnesses, and presenting testimony and legal argument to the Court.
• Review and approve juvenile referrals for prosecution and handle matter through final disposition of charges. Conduct detention hearings, placement review hearings, and juvenile delinquency proceedings.
• Handle individual Court of Common Pleas caseload from initial assignment through trial, sentencing, or final disposition, as well as all pretrial issues ranging from plea agreements, hearings on pretrial issues, bail hearings, bench warrants, and miscellaneous petitions.
• Prosecute summary appeals, indirect criminal contempt matters (Protection from Abuse (PFA) violations, and handle miscellaneous matters, including but not limited to appeals and forfeitures as assigned.
• After 6 months of experience be available for the on-call schedule on a regular rotating basis.
• Furnish information, advise, and respond to inquiries or complaints submitted by members of law enforcement or the public.
• Review applications for private prosecutions submitted by the public, interview witnesses, and approve or disapprove prosecution of the matter.
• Assist in research of various legal issues as assigned.
• Provide back-up to other positions, as needed.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Occasionally travel on an as-needed basis for training and to complete assigned duties.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate degree from a recognized accredited school of law and admission to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have regular access to a motor vehicle.
• Must successfully pass a background check.
• No experience is required

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic working knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• Basic knowledge of County ordinances and State, Federal, and general municipal laws including accepted legal or Court interpretations.
• Ability to analyze, appraise or organize facts, evidence and precedents and to present such materials effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to present and argue cases in court.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Court Officials, County Officials, coworkers, and the general public.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of fifteen feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office and courtroom environment 

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.