The Tribal Prosecutor serves as the chief prosecuting attorney for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (KTTT) and is responsible for prosecuting violations of Tribal law in the Tribal Court. The Tribal Prosecutor represents the Tribe in criminal, juvenile, child protection, and civil enforcement matters while providing legal guidance to Tribal law enforcement and supporting the Tribe's mission to protect public safety, uphold Tribal sovereignty, and promote justice within the reservation community. The Tribal Prosecutor works closely with Tribal Police, Tribal Court, Victim Services, Social Services, Tribal Administration, and federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the fair and effective administration of justice. All prosecution functions are carried out consistent with the limits of Tribal criminal jurisdiction under the Indian Civil Rights Act (25 U.S.C. §§ 1301 through 1304), the Tribal Law and Order Act, and the Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction provisions of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, as those authorities have been adopted by the Tribe.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
An individual must be able to successfully perform each the essential functions of this position listed below with or without reasonable accommodation
- Represent the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas in the prosecution of criminal offenses occurring within Tribal jurisdiction and Indian Country, in accordance with the Tribal Criminal Code, the Indian Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and Tribal law.
- Review criminal investigations and determine appropriate charges.
- Prepare and prosecute criminal complaints from arraignment through sentencing.
- Represent the Tribe during hearings, trials, probation revocation proceedings, appeals, and other court proceedings.
- Prepare and argue motions, legal memoranda, sentencing recommendations, briefs, and other pleadings.
- Negotiate plea agreements when appropriate and in the interests of justice.
Juvenile and Child Protection
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Prosecute juvenile delinquency and status offense cases.
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Represent the Tribe in child abuse, neglect, emergency custody, and child protection proceedings, including the assertion of Tribal jurisdiction and intervention rights under the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. §§ 1901 et seq.) in state court proceedings involving Tribal children.
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Work collaboratively with Tribal Social Services and victim advocates to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable persons.
Civil and Regulatory Enforcement
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Prosecute civil enforcement matters authorized under Tribal law.
Law Enforcement Support
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Provide legal advice and prosecutorial guidance to the Tribal Police Department.
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Review investigations for legal sufficiency.
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Prepare or review search warrants, arrest warrants, subpoenas, emergency petitions, and other legal documents.
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Remain available for after-hours consultation with Tribal law enforcement as assigned.
Court Representation
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Represent the Tribe before the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Tribal Court.
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Represent the Tribe before federal, state, or other tribal courts when authorized.
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Obtain Pro Hac Vice admission when necessary.
Tribal Justice Development
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Assist in drafting and revising:
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- Criminal Code
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Criminal Procedure Rules
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Juvenile Code
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Evidence Rules
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Victim Rights provisions
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Public Safety policies
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Law enforcement procedures.
- Recommend improvements to the Tribal justice system and prosecutorial practices.
Intergovernmental Collaboration
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Coordinate with federal, state, and tribal prosecutors, including:
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- United States Attorney's Office
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Bureau of Indian Affairs
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Federal Bureau of Investigation
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State and local prosecutors
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Other Tribal governments.
- Serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA), when appointed.
Administrative Responsibilities
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Maintain accurate case files and prosecution records.
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Utilize electronic case management systems and digital evidence platforms.
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Prepare reports required by Tribal leadership, grant agencies, or the Legal Director.
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Perform additional duties assigned by the General Counsel or Legal Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR THE POSITION:
An individual must be proficient in each of the competencies listed below to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position.
- Ability to exercise independent and sound judgment.
- Ability to manage and maintain security of confidential data and information.
- Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
- Ability to perform simple arithmetic for time-keeping and other calculations.
- Ability to understand, provide and follow written and verbal direction.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Basic competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks.
- Commitment to excellence and high standards in all aspects of work.
- Cultural awareness of and sensitivity to Kickapoo traditions, religious beliefs, and way of life.
- Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates and working in a team setting.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
This position does carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Qualifications: Must have a Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution and be licensed to practice law and in good standing in Texas.
Zero to five years related experience. Valid Texas Driver License. Reliable transportation. Ability to obtain admission to practice before the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Tribal Court.
Preferred Qualifications:
Three or more years of criminal prosecution or related litigation experience. Demonstrated working knowledge of federal Indian law, including the Indian Civil Rights Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Tribal Law and Order Act, the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, and the Major Crimes Act. Prior experience appearing before a Tribal Court. Working proficiency in Spanish.
NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE IS OBSERVED:
KTTT recognizes preference for KTTT tribal members and qualified Native American tribal members including preferential treatment in recruitment, hiring, promotions, layoffs and reductions in force so long as they meet minimum job qualifications.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATION REQUIRED:
Must adhere to Personnel Policies and Alcohol Policies.
Must possess access to reliable transportation to commute to and from work.
Must have a valid Texas State Driver’s license and must be insurable.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.
The employee must be able to communicate effectively in person or using telecommunications equipment.
The employee must have a normal range of hearing and be able to talk.
The employee must have the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, touch-screen display, telephone and calculator.
The employee occasionally is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
The employee occasionally must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Lighted, ventilated and temperature-controlled office environment.
The work environment can occasionally be stressful where deadlines are involved.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a fingerprint based criminal history search, and that satisfies the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (25 U.S.C. § 3207) given the position’s involvement in child protection matters. The Tribal Prosecutor must also meet and maintain eligibility for access to criminal justice information consistent with the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy.
DISCLAIMER:
Employment in this position is at will, which means that employment may be terminated at any time by the employer or employee without cause or notice.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level or work being performed by people assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
