Job Summary

This position analyzes, prepares and prosecutes felony and misdemeanor cases for the state of Missouri. The duties and responsibilities in this Job Description are not a comprehensive list and Buchanan County reserves the right to assign, reassign or eliminate the duties and responsibilities of this job either orally or in writing. The scope of the job may be changed at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other reasons deemed appropriate by the County. This Job Description does not constitute an Employment Agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change, according to the business needs of Buchanan County. Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment. Passing of a background check prior to appointment. Buchanan County is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts factual and legal analysis of law enforcement reports to determine whether charges should be filed based on the facts and law.
• Represents the State of Missouri at docket calls including arraignments, motion hearings, guilty plea hearings, probation violation hearings.
• Makes recommendations to the courts as to the amount of bond to be set, presents evidence at preliminary hearings and trials.
• Manages assigned caseload; advises law enforcement, as needed, during investigations.
• Confers with victims of crime.
• Negotiates plea agreements with defense counsel.
• Interviews witnesses.
• Establishes trial strategy.
• Maintains proficiency in Missouri and Federal law.
• Responds to law enforcement agencies’ inquiries regarding search warrants and charging decisions.
• Extensively reviews documents.
• Ensures that assigned cases are disposed of within office policy guidelines.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Operation of office equipment, including but not limited to: copy machine, computer, phone, and other standard equipment. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree required. Must have a valid Missouri Bar license and be a member in good standing to practice law in the State of Missouri.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of county, state and federal laws, regulations and statutes.
• Comprehensive knowledge of court proceedings.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal databases and other research tools.
• Good knowledge of Buchanan County policies and procedures.
• Skill in researching and investigating leads, and in preparing cases for trial.
• Skill in trying cases and presenting legal arguments.
• Skill in communicating orally and in writing, and in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other departments, law enforcement agencies and the public.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary. Must possess vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to correspond via email; must possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Cognitive ability to understand and convey complex information.

Employee Behavior and Conduct

County employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and court appearances require professional attire. Employees should respect their colleagues, and extend courtesy to those with whom they come in contact both internally and externally during the performance of their job duties.