Description:
Basic Function:This Deputy Attorney General position is an advanced prosecutor position that will work on cases in both the Public Corruption Section and the Criminal Prosecutions Section of the Criminal Law Division. A Deputy Attorney General III works independently on most matters, while a Deputy Attorney General IV works independently except in extraordinary cases but is expected to regularly communicate with the Section Chief. For Criminal Prosecutions cases, a willingness to travel is an essential part of the position, and the candidate should expect to appear in court in Dauphin and surrounding counties on a regular basis. With regards to Public Corruption cases, limited travel around Pennsylvania will also be required.
Public Corruption
The Public Corruption Section investigates and prosecutes public corruption at the state and local level. Investigations, which range from conflicts of interest and corrupt influence to theft related offenses and money laundering, involve elected and appointed government officials and employees and will often be lengthy and complex. This position will also deal extensively with investigations and prosecutions involving potential violations of the Pennsylvania Election Code.
As the assigned attorney on a case, an employee in this position must coordinate investigative efforts with Office of Attorney General agents as well as several other state, federal, or local agencies involved in joint investigations with the Public Corruption Section. This includes ensuring that all investigative efforts comply with Pennsylvania law. This position is responsible for all phases of investigation and prosecution, including charging recommendations, court proceedings, jury trials, posttrial motions and hearings, and sentencing hearings. Most matters will require extensive document review. Significant knowledge and experience with criminal law, criminal procedure, and grand jury proceedings, as well as familiarity with the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act, are necessary to perform these duties.
Criminal Prosecutions
The Criminal Prosecutions Section investigates and prosecutes a complete spectrum of crimes ranging from the simplest of misdemeanors, to complex corrupt organizations and conspiracies, to first-degree murder cases. Many cases this section handles come as referrals from a District Attorney's office due to a lack of resources, or an actual or apparent conflict of interest on the part of the district attorney or their office. This position requires an attorney who has experience handling child abuse and sex crimes investigations/prosecutions on a consistent basis. Grand Jury experience would also be beneficial for this role.
As the assigned attorney on a case, an employee in this position must coordinate investigative efforts with Office of Attorney General agents as well as several other state, federal, or local agencies involved in joint investigations with the Public Corruption Section. This includes ensuring that all investigative efforts comply with Pennsylvania law. This position is responsible for all phases of investigation and prosecution, including charging recommendations, court proceedings, jury trials, posttrial motions and hearings, and sentencing hearings and most matters will require extensive document review. Significant knowledge and experience with criminal law, criminal procedure, and grand jury proceedings, as well as familiarity with the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act, are necessary to perform these duties. Limited travel around Pennsylvania may be required. The attorney in this position will work independently but is expected to regularly communicate with the Section Chief.
Examples of Duties:
- Develops investigative plans based upon the nature of the matter to be investigated (simple/complex) in conjunction with assigned agents
- Directs investigations, determining what investigative steps to take and investigative tools to use to achieve an appropriate/just investigative outcome
- Monitors investigations, assessing progress and adjusting investigative strategies when needed
- Keeps supervisor informed of the progress and potential outcome of investigations
- Determines, along with agents and in consultation with superiors, whether to pursue a prosecution
- Prepares, reviews, and approves charging documents in conjunction with agents if prosecution is pursued
- Represents the Commonwealth post arrest and throughout all stages of the criminal prosecution including arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial conferences, pretrial motions and hearings, trials (bench and jury), posttrial motions and hearings, and sentencing hearings
- Answers routine correspondence
- Performs additional and related work as required
Minimum Experience and Training
In addition to the below qualifications, Investigating Grand Jury experience and significant jury trial experience are preferred.
Deputy Attorney General III:
Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work
Deputy Attorney General IV:
Graduation from an accredited school of law, admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work
