Serves as a prosecuting attorney for the Commonwealth of Virginia in all criminal matters pending before the Roanoke County General District Court, Roanoke County Circuit Court, the Roanoke County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and on occasion act as special prosecutor in other jurisdictions within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Roanoke County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is comprised of an elected Commonwealth's Attorney, a Chief Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys, and support staff.  The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases (felony and misdemeanor) for Roanoke County. Performs other duties as assigned.
 

• Prepares cases for court by reviewing warrants, police reports, criminal records of the defendant, and particularly the expected testimony of witnesses
• Reviews traffic docket prior to court, discusses facts of any cases which are not routine with officers who have cases for that day
• Interviews and explains the court system to citizens before the case comes to court, and in cases where witnesses cannot appear, may negotiate with the defense attorney a stipulation to that testimony
• Researches, reviews, and offers counsel to other attorneys in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office wherever difficult legal issues arise
• Reviews indictments in felony cases before presentation to the Grand jury
• Prosecutes criminal cases before all courts in the County of Roanoke
• Represents the Commonwealth at hearings
• Handles appellate litigation
• Represents the Commonwealth and the County in an advisory capacity to police and citizens
• Reviews new laws, cases, statutes, ordinances, administrative rulings and Attorney General's opinions
• Prosecutes felony preliminary hearings before the General District Court
• Prosecutes misdemeanor cases before the General District Court
• Prosecutes misdemeanor cases before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• Prosecutes felony preliminary hearings before the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
• Write briefs and Memoranda on Motions Filed in the Circuit Court
• Argues Suppression Motions and other Motions before the Circuit and General District Courts
• Prepares Appellate Briefs for use by the Commonwealth in the Virginia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Virginia
• Advises law enforcement on all legal matters involving the investigation and prosecution of criminal conduct
• Develops and conducts formal training on Virginia laws and the United States Constitution for law enforcement
• Advises and works with governmental agencies and the public in coordinated efforts to ensure and enhance crime prevention and public safety
• Makes relevant presentations to community groups on law enforcement

Education 
Required:  Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Graduation from an accredited law school or completion of all necessary requirements in legal education program after having read Virginia law.

Experience
Required: Three to five years in the practice of law

Certifications/ Licenses
Required:  Eligible to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must be an active member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar and hold a license in good standing from the Virginia Supreme Court.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
 

• Thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedures, rules of evidence, legal research and writing
• General knowledge of County of Roanoke ordinances, its courts and court operations
• Ability to analyze legal issues
• Comprehensive knowledge of Virginia criminal and traffic laws, Virginia criminal procedures, Virginia and Federal constitutional issues, as well as local rules of court and trial practice.
• Ability to perform intricate and rapid legal research, and to prepare legal briefs to trial and appellate courts.
• Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement personnel, expert witnesses, lay witnesses, and victim witnesses.