Criminal Law Attorney in Fairfax, VA

Profile

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney III Duties: Will be assigned a combination of cases to include misdemeanor offenses in the General District Court level and more serious felony cases at the Circuit Court level. Depending on level of experience, assignments generally include the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in General District Court (DUI, traffic offenses, and simple drug possession), and the prosecution of felony cases to include violent crimes (murder, rape, abduction, robbery etc.). Prepares and prosecutes misdemeanor cases and felony cases, conduct legal research and argument for hearings, compose appellate briefs, advise local law enforcement agencies, and work closely with victim/witness advocates. Due to the high caseload, the attorney must be organized, work efficiently, be flexible, and be able to think on his or her feet in busy and time-pressured situations. As experience, knowledge, and skills are obtained and developed, the ACA III will mentor and assist with the development of ACA I, ACA II, and staff. Represents the Commonwealth of Virginia in prosecutions of violations of criminal law. Appears in General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to prosecute criminal misdemeanors and traffic offenses. Appears in Circuit Court to prosecute the appeal of misdemeanor offenses in jury and bench trials. Appears in Circuit Court to prosecute felony offenses in jury and bench trials. Conducts legal research and composes briefs in opposition to constitutional motions and petitions for appeal. Drafts correspondence on legal matters. Advises County and State law enforcement officials concerning the investigation of criminal violations and trial preparation. Reviews search warrants, affidavits and court orders submitted by law enforcement for the obtaining of evidence related to criminal cases. Advises citizens of County on issues relating to criminal law violations in the community and court procedure.

Qualification and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be an active member in good standing of the Virginia State Bar. Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to: graduation from an accredited law school; plus two years of experience as a practicing attorney. Knowledge of the principles of law and their application. Knowledge of trial procedure and the rules of evidence. Knowledge of criminal law; including trial practice, motion practice, and appellate practice. Knowledge of the criminal laws under the Code of Virginia and Fairfax County Code and the court decisions affecting the prosecution of those laws. Knowledge of legal research methods. Ability to effectively and efficiently prosecute felony cases. Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically. Ability to interview victims, witnesses and law enforcement to obtain the necessary information to prosecute criminal cases. Ability to maintain an effective working relations hip with associates, law enforcement officials, the judiciary and the general public. PREFERRED: The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, and lay witnesses; effectively address, with sensitivity, the needs of victims of crime; work proficiently in a collaborative, team environment, engage people of various social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds; maintain a fast-paced workload/docket while keeping case files and workplace organized; prepare and present cases before a trial court in a short period of time; and establish and maintain constructive, effective and professional relationships with fellow attorneys, public officials, judicial officers and the public.
CLOSING DATE: 12/25/20 11:59 PM

Additional info

Position #20-01166

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