Assistant Commonwealth Attorney

An Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney serves as a prosecutor, mentor, and leader within the Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.  In addition to prosecuting complex felony and misdemeanor matters, this position plays a critical role in the professional development and training of newer attorneys.

• Prosecutes misdemeanor and felony cases in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court.
• Review criminal investigations and charging decisions in coordination with the Bedford Police Department, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct legal research, prepare indictments, plea agreements, motions and briefs as required.
• Negotiate plea agreements and make sentencing recommendations consistent with office policy and the interest of justice.
• Provide legal guidance and training to law enforcement officers and newer attorneys regarding criminal law and procedure.
• Interview law enforcement officers, victims, witnesses, and other individuals in preparing cases.
• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by the Commonwealth Attorney.
• Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
• Performs special projects as assigned.
• Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, and reprioritizes work as necessary.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and at least three years of experience of prosecutorial or criminal defense work.
• Active membership in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and eligibility to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Admission to practice before the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of law and of the state laws and court decisions applicable to criminal prosecution; thorough knowledge of legal research and the investigation, preparation and presentation of cases for trial; thorough knowledge of legal office procedures, practices and methods; ability to plan and direct the work of others; ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and state officials, court officials, members of the Bar and the general public.

Physical Requirements

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires the use of fingers, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Environmental Factors

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is in an office or courtroom environment and is not normally exposed to adverse environmental conditions. The noise level is usually low.