Assistant Commonwealth Attorney (Full-Time)

Department:                      Sussex County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office
Employment Status:        Regular, Full Time, Non-Exempt
Salary:                                   Starting $77,502 plus excellent benefits, negotiable upon experience
Start Date:                          As soon as August 1, 2024

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to assist the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in the prosecution of criminal cases for Sussex County.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Assist the Commonwealth’s Attorney in prosecuting criminal defendants;
• Prosecute Cases in General District, JDR & Circuit Courts;
• Return Phone Calls promptly;
• Consolidate the court’s docket with cases assigned;
• Present witnesses, objects, photographs and other evidence of crimes by accused persons in court;
• Interview investigators, victims and other witnesses to criminal activity;
• Prepare and present legal briefs;
• Review body camera video, jail calls and all other electronic and social media information;
• Prepare indictment forms, motions, proposed jury instructions, notices and other court documents;
• Prepare and respond to discovery orders;
• Make, receive and evaluate plea offers;
• Assist or oversee detectives, investigators, and other law enforcement in gathering evidence;
• Prepare and present witnesses for trial & Issue subpoenas for pending cases; and
• Explain process and reason for certain decisions to victims or their family members.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Candidates need skills in interpreting statutes and rules, applying criminal law to facts and determining the significance of testimony or other items of evidence. The analysis also consists of assessing the credibility of witnesses based on factors such as bias or inconsistency in statements. Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills and abilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum: Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and be in good standing with the Virginia State Bar.  Must possess professional ethics, persuasive and organizational skills and abilities.

Desirable: Preference may be given to eligible candidates who possess prior trial litigation experience in criminal law.

SUBMISSIONS: Provide via email: 1) Cover letter; 2) Resume; and 3) References (3 minimum – 2 professional & 1 personal)

CONTACT: Please send resume, cover letter & references to Regina Sykes at: rsykes@sussexcao.com.