About the Department

San Juan County is excited to invite candidates to apply for our Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney position. Please be sure to include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample when submitting your application for it to be considered complete. 

Responsible for (1) the investigation, preparation and prosecution of all criminal cases in the district, superior and juvenile courts for San Juan County and appeals to the appellate courts; (2) the training of law enforcement officers in the substantive, procedural and evidentiary law and its application to criminal investigations.

Position Duties

1. Conducts training of deputy sheriffs on procedural, substantive law, and evidentiary law, and its application to, and impact on, criminal investigations.·

2. Reviews all police reports and statements relating to criminal investigations for completeness and to determine legal and factual sufficiency for prosecution of criminal charges; interviews witnesses; confers with law enforcement officers, forensic scientists and experts; researches and prepares legal memoranda; determines charges to be filed where cases are referred to the prosecutor's office; outlines charges to be filed; drafts legal documents to be filed with the court; represents the state in all criminal court pretrial and trial proceedings in district, superior and juvenile courts; drafts jury instructions; makes sentencing recommendations; reviews all requests for information from defense attorneys; conducts plea-negotiations with defense lawyers; drafts legal forms used by the district, superior and juvenile courts; prepares legal documents for court proceedings; represents county in appellate courts, to include researching and preparing legal memoranda and appearing before the courts to argue legal issues; confers with clerks of the superior and district courts regarding legal issues, trial calendars, and the basic daily functioning of courts; confers with mental health and alcohol counselors and probation officers regarding the progress of persons placed on probation; drafts and prepares documents to revoke probation for defendants who violate probation conditions, and represents the county in violation hearings.

3. Directs the work of two legal assistants in the preparation and filing of legal documents, preparation of information packets for defense attorneys and the preparation and maintenance of legal files.

4. Maintains current knowledge of the substantive, procedural and evidentiary laws of the State of Washington, federal constitutional law, procedures of the district, juvenile, superior and appellate courts, techniques of preparation and presentation of criminal trials; investigative techniques used in the investigation of. Reviews new legislation and appellate decisions to determine the present state of the criminal law; provides memoranda to various county agencies regarding the applicability of new laws and rules to their policies and the performance of their jobs. Researches legal issues, analyzes and applies legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems; presents laws, facts, evidence and arguments clearly and logically inwritten and oral form.

5. Supervises and directs the work of two victim advocates in supporting individuals harmed by crime. 

6. Acts to ensure the rights of victims, survivors, and witnesses are met.  

7. Supervises and trains district court deputy prosecuting attorney and interns.  

8. Acts within the scope of his or her responsibilities, working as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW42.52.

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a Juris Doctor or completion of approved training as legal clerk.   Must be admitted to practice law in the state of Washington, and have at least six years of practice of criminal law, with significant experience in trying felony cases; or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Must hold, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Washington State Driver’s License; must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check, complete Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) training, and be a member in good standing of WSBA.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL ANDMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to access crime scenes in isolated areas; be able to listen to people relate facts and the manner in which they speak and relate that information to other facts in a case; speak in a clear and concise manner in public settings; remember the basic content of numerous statutes, regulations, court rules, evidentiary rules, holdings of appellate courts, and apply them instantaneously to changing circumstances in the course of a court proceeding; must be able to speak, see, hear and articulate clearly; must be able to use hands to finger or feel objects and use office equipment and reach with hands and arm.