2M88
PROSECUTION ASSISTANT 1

This is technical work of limited scope, providing staff assistance to trial and/or investigative attorneys charged with the prosecution of individuals accused of violating the criminal penal code. Employees in this class perform a quasi-legal function through the review and extraction of data from court-related records and documents, the interview of complainants and witnesses, and/or the preparation of a variety of legal documents. Contacts with attorneys, the judiciary, court personnel and officials, complainants, institutional officials, witnesses and the general public are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a prosecuting attorney.

1. Employees in this class must perform technical work of limited scope, providing staff assistance to trial and/or investigative attorneys charged with prosecuting individuals accused of violating the criminal penal code.
2. The positions in this class must be located in the District Attorney's Office.

• Provides information to individuals with potential legal problems; inquires as to type and nature of problem, facts of incidents, description of individuals involved, and whether or not any prior court actions have occurred; determines legitimacy of complaint and type of crime committed; provides information on judicial procedures, hearing dates, status of cases, and any problems involved; refers individuals to proper social agencies, court, or other sources of assistance; prepares private criminal complaints.
• Reviews prosecution trial files, official documents, and computerized records to extract information for prosecution attorneys; determines if necessary reports, records, and briefs are present; outlines charges against defendant, facts of arrest, previous continuances, motions presented, court dispositions, and other pertinent information; determines court-mandated expiration date for each case; insures witnesses are subpoenaed.
• Maintains record of cases indicating expiration date, hearings, and dispositions; notifies the prosecution trial attorneys of approaching expiration date.
• Discusses with witnesses their availability to appear on scheduled hearing dates, legal procedures, reasons for continuances, and facts of case; discusses with law enforcement officials facts of case, their availability and the reliability of witnesses; discusses with court officials or personnel the status of a witness, location of a witness, and previous court actions and dispositions; contacts penal or mental institution officials to determine status of individuals; inquires if individual is incarcerated, if detainers have been filed for present location of individual, and for tentative date of release; informs prosecution attorneys of findings.
• Maintains a variety of reports and statistics for the assigned division of the prosecution department.
• Prepares case files, researches information relating to criminal records, property and vehicle ownership; determines if necessary, reports, records and briefs related to the seizure of contraband seized in conjunction with the enforcement of the State Drug Enforcement Act.
• Maintains availability for scheduled court hearings; develops lists of defendants' assets, market value, sale of assets, transfer of monies and account balances.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the English language and spelling
• report writing
• interviewing techniques and methods
• the uses and applications of personal computers, as well as the software relating to databases and word processing
SKILL IN:
• eliciting information quickly and easily, and in providing information clearly and concisely
ABILITY TO:
• learn legal terminology and spelling
• learn the laws, rules, and regulations governing the prosecution of criminal offenders
• learn the legal processes and practices involved in the prosecution of cases
• learn the purpose and functioning of the various criminal and quasi-criminal courts, analyze facts and exercise sound judgment
• prepare and maintain a variety of legal records and reports
• understand and follow written and oral instructions
• use tact, diplomacy, and judgment with the general public
• learn and apply laws and procedures governing the prosecution of offenders prosecuted under the State Drug Enforcement Act, if required by work assignment
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial and law enforcement officials, attorneys, associates, and the general public
• utilize a personal computer and the software relating to work assignments

EDUCATION
• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.

OR

• Completion of an associate's degree program in criminal justice and two years of experience performing facilitating services for prosecuting attorneys.

NOTE:

Two years of experience as a Legal Services Clerk or equivalent class experience in the District Attorney's Office and possession of a Prosecution Assistant certificate as issued by the District Attorney's Office may be substituted for the education requirement.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.