Prosecuting Attorney I/II

City of Bellingham

Bellingham, WA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Attorney, Case Law, Compensation and Benefits, Criminal Law, Employee Assistance Plan, Fax Machines, Funding, Health Insurance, Insurance, Keyboards, Law Enforcement, Legal, Legal Research, Negotiation Skills, Office Equipment, Problem Solving Skills, Research Skills, Seminars, Training/Teaching, Vision Plan, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Bellingham, WA
POSTED
2 days ago

Job SummaryResponsible for the prosecution of misdemeanor and municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court.Why Join Our Team?Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.Salary and BenefitsProsecuting Attorney I: Current full salary range $9,127/month - $11,093/month.Prosecuting Attorney II: Current full salary range $10,062/month - $12,230/month.Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the E-Team Handbook and City policy. The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. For positions that require a bachelor's degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master's degree in a related field when the master's degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.Benefits include13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthlyMedical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their familiesLife insurance and long‑term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt‑out programAccess to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Washington State Retirement plan (DRS)Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer matchEssential Functions of the JobProsecutes misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, traffic offenses and other municipal ordinance violations in Municipal Court, determining what charges to file and whether to plea bargain or reduce charges.Provides advice to police officers regarding appropriate charges and methods of law enforcement based on legislative and judicial changes.Contacts victims, requests subpoenas, gathers information, evaluates evidence, determines whether a victim will assist in prosecution, and monitors the victim's safety.Conducts legal research, interviews witnesses, decides discovery methods to pursue, and makes settlement suggestions for pursuing the defense of the City in criminal cases and motion hearings.Conducts criminal jury and bench trials, presenting the City's case, instructing the jury, determining sentencing recommendations, and resolving evidentiary issues, voir‑dire questions, and trial procedures.Prepares and conducts arraignments by reading police reports, summarizing factual elements of crimes, evaluating probable cause, determining bail amounts and sentencing recommendations, presenting factual basis for plea, making offers to defendant, and determining whether a reduction or dismissal is merited.Prepares and investigates pretrial cases by reviewing reports, evaluating evidence, locating missing information or evidence, contacting and negotiating with defense attorneys, determining the likelihood of success, and making sentencing recommendations.Conducts pretrial hearings by setting motions, trial dates, or offering guilty plea to the court.Conducts no‑contact order rescission hearings and contested infraction and motion hearings, presenting the City's case, determining whether the rescission of a no‑contact order threatens victim safety, and evaluating legal issues and relevant case law.Prepares and responds to appeals of trial court decisions including direct appeals after trial, habeas corpus petitions, and infraction appeals.Additional Work PerformedPerforms other related work of a similar nature or level.Prosecutor II assists in civil projects on a limited basis as workload allows.Working EnvironmentWork is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent court appearances. Extensive use of computer workstations. Travel to court, seminars and meetings as needed. This is a sedentary position with minimal physical exertion requirements.Physical ability to perform the essential functions:Frequently operate a computer and other office machinery such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, and fax machine.Occasionally move between worksites.Remain stationary for long periods of time.Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others.QualificationsProsecuting Attorney IAdmission to the Washington State Bar and a member in good standing throughout duration of employment.Some experience in the practice of municipal law or civil discovery and procedure preferred.Prosecuting Attorney IIAdmission to the Washington State Bar and a member in good standing throughout duration of employment.Two years of professional work experience as an attorney in criminal law; experience in prosecuting criminal cases preferred.Or two years of experience as a Prosecuting Attorney I at the City of Bellingham.Incumbents appointed to Prosecuting Attorney I are expected to perform the full range duties operating under the direction and guidance of more senior staff and to demonstrate the competencies necessary to progress to the Prosecuting Attorney II level. Incumbents appointed to Prosecuting Attorney II are expected to perform the full range of assigned duties independently after an initial training period.Incumbents appointed to Prosecuting Attorney I may receive a non‑competitive promotion to Prosecuting Attorney II when they meet minimum experience and training requirements and demonstrate capability, provided work and funding are available.Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, local background check, and fingerprinting, subject to re‑check every five years.Incumbents may not engage in the private practice of law while employed.Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.Equal OpportunityThe City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. EEO statements and fair hiring practices are provided in accordance with applicable laws.#J-18808-Ljbffr

About the Company

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City of Bellingham