Deputy District Attorney

What Success Looks Like In This Job

The mission of the District Attorney?s Office is to keep the community safe and to make the criminal justice system better through the fair and ethical prosecution of criminal offenders, while seeking justice for victims of crime.
The Deputy District Attorney performs professional legal work in the prosecution of cases in County Court, acting on behalf of the District Attorney and representing the People of the State of Colorado in court proceedings. The Deputy District Attorney is an entry level prosecutor who handles a significant docket of misdemeanor and traffic cases including DUIs, domestic violence, assault and careless driving cases.
New DDA's starting salary will be the minimum of the range. There are opportunities for growth in the salary range based on tenure and promotion.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Prepares and conducts jury trials on misdemeanor and traffic offenses and, when appropriate, serves as co-counsel on felony cases as well.
• Reviews criminal case files including police reports, evidence, witness statements, criminal histories and victim input and determines appropriate plea offers for said cases.
• Presents evidence, argues motions of suppression and other technical legal motions, conducts jury selection, cross-examination of witnesses and opening and closing arguments in open court.
• Performs legal research and legal writing for legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
• Assists victims of crime through the criminal justice system and communicates with victims and witnesses on cases in which they are involved
• Periodically serves on call to provide legal advice to law enforcement agencies and answer immediate questions from the public
• Performs related work as required.

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado
• Knowledge of Colorado criminal case law statutes and relevant case law
• Commitment to protecting the public and making the criminal justice system better
• Commitment to working collaboratively in a team environment
• Responsible for reviewing criminal case files and preparing said files for trial
• Ability to prepare for and effectively manage a heavy caseload including reviewing each case prior to court and being prepared to facilitate disposition of cases
• Skill in researching and drafting legal pleadings necessary for the successful prosecution of cases
• Ability to effectively prepare for and conduct court and jury trials.
• Ability to comply with all Victims' Rights mandates, to include victim notification and/or consultation at all critical stages of a case
• Strong critical thinking skills, writing skills, and ability to think on one?s feet in a high stress environment
• Skill in courtroom presentation
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to meet statutory deadlines
• Ability to learn and utilize computer case management software programs
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, court officials, law enforcement, the public and other government agencies

Qualifications for Success

• Must possess a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Colorado Driver's License
• Must pass a criminal background check

Adams County complies with Colorado?s Job Application Fairness Act (?JAFA?). JAFA prohibits employers from asking individuals to disclose their age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation on an initial employment application. However, additional application materials such as certifications and transcripts containing this information may be required for certain positions; if such additional materials are requested, applicants may redact information that identifies the applicant?s age, date of birth, or dates or attendance or graduation.