Position Objective:  

The role of a Deputy State’s Attorney is to work collaboratively with law enforcement in enforcing the laws in the jurisdiction of Pennington County.  They represent the State of South Dakota in all stages of court proceedings.  

Essential Functions:

• Reviewing law enforcement reports.
• Making criminal charging decisions.
• Presenting evidence at probable cause hearings, whether before the Court or Grand Jury.
• Representing the State of South Dakota at Initial Appearances and Arraignments.
• Representing the State of South Dakota at Status and Motion Hearings.
• Representing the State of South Dakota at Evidentiary Hearings.
• Making bond arguments at hearings before the Court.
• Conducting legal research and writing, and motion preparation.
• Abiding by all victims’ rights and assisting victims through the criminal justice system.  Meeting with victims and other witnesses throughout the prosecution of cases.
• Preparing law enforcement officers, witnesses and victims for courtroom testimony.
• Preparation for and presentation of evidence at court and jury trials.

• Deputy State’s Attorneys routinely field phone calls from citizens and interested parties about criminal prosecutions. 
• They are also responsible for updating and training law enforcement on relevant areas of the law.
• Deputy State’s Attorneys also represent the State of South Dakota at involuntary mental commitments, involuntary drug and alcohol commitments and fugitive proceedings. 
• Deputy State’s Attorneys handle appeals from magistrate to circuit court, and initial habeas filings at the State level. 
• The Deputy State’s Attorney assigned as the juvenile prosecutor acts as a liaison to the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Committee (JDAI), and meets daily with this group to discuss alternatives to detention placements.  This attorney works collaboratively with the Juvenile Services Center, the Department of Corrections and Court Services and prosecutes all stages of litigation for juvenile offenders. 
• The Deputy State’s Attorney assigned to abuse and neglect prosecution represents the Department of Social Services (DSS) in all stages of litigation in civil proceedings against parents and guardians accused of abusing or neglecting their children.  Works cooperatively with DSS, tribal representatives, children’s counsel, Department of Corrections, law enforcement and Court Services.
• The Deputy State’s Attorney assigned to the Civil Division handles planning and zoning cases and assists the Civil Chief Deputy as the legal representative for all County Department Heads and the County Commission. 
• The Deputy State’s Attorney assigned to Magistrate Court represents the State of South Dakota in misdemeanor cases (those punishable by up to one year in county jail.)
• The Deputy State’s Attorney and Senior Deputy State’s Attorney assigned to Circuit Court represent the State of South Dakota in the same manner as those assigned to Magistrate Court. In addition, these attorneys will represent the State in felony matters (ranging in punishment from two years in the State Penitentiary to life imprisonment.) These attorneys will also be assigned with one or more specialty courts. These attorneys may also be called upon to assist with law enforcement investigation, search warrants and visit crime scenes. These attorneys are also responsible for the presentation of evidence and cases to the Pennington County Grand Jury.

Experience and/or Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited University.
• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited University.
• Membership in the State Bar of South Dakota.

Working Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office where noise and interruptions often occur. 
• Must walk to the Pennington County Courthouse for multiple daily court appearances in all weather, carrying multiple files.
• Overtime hours may be required to adequately prepare for jury trials and complicated hearings.
• Some travel may be required for training, meetings, mental commitment hearings and appearances as needed in other jurisdictions. 

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to frequently sit, walk, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, push or pull and manual dexterity is needed to type, write, use a calculator, and answer telephone.
• Must be able to walk two blocks multiple times a day to court in all weather. 
• Upper body strength is a requisite to lift/move a maximum of 20 lbs. unassisted to carry files to court.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• The ability to talk and communicate both electronically and face to face.