Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Our client, a well-established county government legal office in the Pacific Northwest, is seeking an experienced criminal law attorney to step into a Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney role. This is a senior, hands-on criminal prosecution leadership role in a small, tight-knit county justice office, based in one of the most beautiful and safe island communities in the Pacific Northwest. For a seasoned felony trial prosecutor who wants real ownership, genuine trial volume, and the chance to shape how justice is delivered, this is a rare opportunity. Reporting to the elected Prosecuting Attorney, you will be a visible, trusted leader who builds strong relationships with the sheriff and other law enforcement officials, court staff, defense counsel, and community partners. This is a permanent, onsite appointment.
Key Responsibilities:
Review police reports and evidence for legal and factual sufficiency, and make sound charging decisions across felonies and higher-level crimes.
Independently prosecute the county's felony caseload from charging through verdict and sentencing, including trial strategy, motions, and evidentiary decisions.
Carry cases across district, superior, and juvenile courts, and handle criminal appeals as needed.
Conduct plea negotiations and make sentencing recommendations with sound prosecutorial judgment.
Prepare and try felony jury and bench trials, examining witnesses and applying the law in real time under adversarial conditions.
Train deputy sheriffs and other officers on substantive, procedural, and evidentiary law as applied to criminal investigations.
Supervise and direct legal support staff, victim/witness coordinators, a junior district court deputy prosecutor, and interns.
Protect victims', survivors', and witnesses' rights throughout case handling, coordinating trauma-informed support and communication.
Advise investigators on charging standards, search and seizure, evidence handling, and report quality to strengthen outcomes.
Build and maintain credible relationships with law enforcement agencies, court staff, defense counsel, and community partners.
Maintain current knowledge of Washington substantive, procedural, and evidentiary law, monitoring new appellate decisions affecting charging and trial strategy.
Travel occasionally to crime scenes, witness interviews and depositions, and out-of-county proceedings and trainings.
