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 alls 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.
• They are also responsible for updating and training law enforcement on relevant areas of the law.

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.

• 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.

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.