City of North Charleston
South Carolina
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Summary Objective
Under limited supervision, prosecutes cases presented in Municipal Court. Prosecutes, defers, plea bargains or dismisses cases up until judge or jury renders a trial verdict. Handles appeals and determines the City’s position on sentencing. Coordinates resources to ensure the prosecution of cases in a proper, efficient and orderly manner. Reviews work for completeness and accuracy. Performs related professional and administrative work as required. Reports to the City Attorney.
Essential Functions
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
· Prepares cases for prosecution, performing such duties as reviewing warrants and preparing indictments, negotiating with attorneys; diagnosing cases and determining best case strategies; conducting preliminary hearings; overseeing and participating in case investigation, interviewing witnesses and victims, and examining evidence, researching legal issues affecting cases, applying the law to facts of a criminal case determining sentence desired; evaluating and preparing witnesses for trial, etc.
· Prepares bench warrants, affidavits, search warrants, legal briefs, motions, orders, petitions, and other legal documents.
· Notifies victims and defense attorneys of trial dates; notifies defendants and bondsmen of court appearances.
· Prosecutes and discharges duties related to bench trials. Prosecutes and handles all cases requiring jury trials.
· Presents and argues prepared cases in court as assigned.
· Litigates and coordinates the collection of bond estreatments and asset forfeiture funds, as needed.
· Keeps abreast of all new criminal legislation and case law that affects municipal courts and cases.
· Assists law enforcement agencies requiring legal action about the investigation of any criminal matter.
· Receives and responds to difficult and sensitive client or community concerns and complaints.
· Coordinates, schedules and directs case prosecution in Municipal Court. Conducts trial work, oral and written arguments, case analysis, legal research, witness interviews, correspondence, communication with defense counsel, plea bargaining, etc.
· May assist City Attorney on complex civil matters as needed.
· Assists in developing and implementing department/division policies and procedures.
· Performs a variety of administrative duties, including composing and preparing correspondence and reports, copying, and filing documents, entering computer data, assembling materials, ordering office equipment and supplies, etc.
· Receives and reviews various documents, such as statistical reports, caseload reports, legal updates, legal briefs, police reports, medical reports, forensic reports, correspondence, etc.
· Refers to local, state, and federal laws, codes and ordinances, rules of court, various technical / professional reference texts, various prepared support data from City government, etc.
· Operates a vehicle and a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, scanner, fax machine, calculator, copier, telephone, etc. Utilizes up-to-date technology.
· Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, other City personnel, law enforcement personnel, various government officials and agencies, judges and other court personnel, S.C. Court Administration personnel, defendants, witnesses, victims, families of those involved in court cases, other attorneys, news media, jury members, social service agencies, medical practitioners, professional peers, and the general public.
· Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Can successfully work under stressful conditions.
· May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather or emergency conditions.
· Performs other work as may be required and assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies of the City as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Prosecutor. Has knowledge of the duties, powers, limitations, and responsibilities of the Legal Department.
· Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
· Can supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate professional, technical and clerical staff. Can offer training and assistance to subordinates and employees of other departments as required.
· Has knowledge of current principles and practices of criminal and civil law; courtroom/judicial procedures and processes; methods and techniques of legal research; established precedents, case law and sources of legal reference applicable to the Prosecutor’s activities; functions and authorities.
· Knows how to make persuasive public presentations with confidence; can articulate intelligently a point of law within the pressured environment of a courtroom trial.
· Has the ability to organize, interpret and apply legal principles and knowledge to complex legal problems; investigate and prosecute cases; develop, prepare, and direct effective prosecution strategies; research legal issues, complaints, pleadings, and points and authorities.
· Can read, interpret, apply, explain, and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.
· Has the ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, project consequences of proposed actions, and adopt an effective course of action.
· Can perform duties under the pressure of very high expectations for exemplary and non-erring leadership, management, and professionalism.
· Has knowledge of modern office practices and equipment, including the use of computers for word processing and records management.
· Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation, and spelling; has knowledge of basic documents, reports, and correspondence.
· Can take initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
· Can use independent judgment in performing routine and non-routine tasks.
· Has the ability to learn new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
· Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public.
· Can work under stressful conditions as required.
· Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
· Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.
· Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quality of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.
· Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes all assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
· Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
· Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
· Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and research issues, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment.
· Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e. poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter- departmentally.
· Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors, and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationship inter-intra departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions, and complaints in order to establish and maintain goodwill. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.
· Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.
· Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.
· Plans, coordinates, and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production. Knows and understands expectations regarding such activities and works to ensure such expectations are met. Develops and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve established goals and objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges, and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve such goals and objectives.
· Efficiently organizes own work and that of subordinate staff. Ensures that personnel understand what results are expected of them, and that each is regularly and appropriately informed of all matters affecting or of concern to them.
· Works with upper management, where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of qualified personnel. Personally directs the development and training of personnel under charge, ensuring their proper induction, orientation and training.
· Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to personnel under charge concerning their performance. Commends and rewards personnel under charge for outstanding performance and takes timely and appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward achievement of established goals and objectives.
· Assigns duties as necessary and/or appropriate to meet goals, enhance abilities of personnel under charge, build their confidence and assist them in personal growth. Has confidence in personnel under charge to meet new or additional expectations.
· Exercises discretion and sound judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting functions under charge. Recognizes when a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, and moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.
· Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies, and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of function under charge. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not averse to change that supports achievement of goals and objectives.
· Strives to develop and maintain excellent rapport with personnel under charge. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints and responds accordingly. Establishes a work environment to promote and maintain mutual respect.
· Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of functions under charge. Adheres to policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from personnel under charge.
· Maintains awareness of changes in operating philosophies and policies, and routinely reviews policies to ensure any changes in philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated into functions under charge. Recognizes and understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and morale and performance. Strives to ensure that established policies enhance same.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Requires a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school supplemented by one or more years of responsible experience in the field of law, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess and maintain membership in the South Carolina State Bar Association. Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
Physical Demands:
· Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving a combination of stooping, kneeling, and crouching, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 20 pounds).
· Ability to perform sedentary work and sit for extended periods of time. Ability to stand, walk and climb, as necessary, for extended periods of time.
· Clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to enable the employee to follow instructions and communicate effectively.
· Requires visual acuity and visual perception to prepare and analyze data and figures; examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials; inspect sites regarding planning issues; operate a computer; and do extensive reading.
· Manual dexterity to enable the employee to operate a personal computer and related equipment using repetitive motion and/or substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers.
Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
· This position is exposed to no known unusual environmental hazards. May sometimes be exposed to heat/cold, wet/humid conditions, bright/dim lights, increased noise levels, and traffic.
Special Certifications and Licenses
· Valid South Carolina Driver’s License
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of North Charleston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Standard Clauses
This position may be required to be on call during emergency disasters and subject to 24-hour shifts or other emergency schedule that is necessary to meet the City’s needs.
May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Essential Safety Functions
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
Pay: $71,532.00 - $109,173.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
