The Assistant State Attorney works in the State Attorney’s Office to conduct legal business, including conducting searches, taking witness statements, and processing cases. The State Attorney coordinates investigations for their district and prosecutes accused felons. Assistant State Attorneys have specific duties, such as reviewing evidence, questioning witnesses, and charging suspects. They often work on multiple cases simultaneously and may specialize in certain types of crimes. Different titles denote different responsibilities, such as senior or first assistant. The position often prepares attorneys for future assignments in more prestigious positions.
Prosecution is often a lengthy process undertaken by multiple members of law enforcement. One of these members is likely to be the Assistant State Attorney, who works in the State Attorney’s Office to conduct legal business. Duties specific to this position are often assigned by the state attorney and may include conducting searches, taking witness statements, and processing cases. Some paralegals work in specific offices, such as those dedicated to juvenile justice, or specific divisions that relate to an area of crime. In offices where crime is prolific, lawyers may be given titles denoting their responsibilities, such as senior or first assistant.
A state attorney is an elected official who coordinates investigations for their district. Such a district may be delimited by county lines or judicial mandates. Sometimes referred to as a city or district attorney, a state’s attorney routinely represents people in criminal and civil cases. He or she often prosecutes accused felons and acts as the head of law enforcement for a jurisdiction. In this way, the State Attorney’s Office works to protect the public interest.
Voters often hold a state’s attorney accountable for its efforts in relation to area political views. As such, each attorney is also given the express authority to appoint assistant state attorneys. These positions often engage in litigation work to ensure equal attention to all cases. Many offices contain numerous states’ paralegals who appear in court to adjudicate cases, and these individuals are often considered to represent the entire state’s attorney’s office.
Specific duties for the assistant state attorney, also referred to as a deputy state attorney, may include reviewing evidence and legal records, questioning witnesses and taking statements, and charging suspects with felony charges. This position often hears cases in court and is likely to be involved in plea deals, judgments and appeals hearings. Unlike the state attorney — who often makes decisions about policy, staff members, and office operations — the assistant state attorney may also act as an advocate for victims. Such actions often involve speaking up for minors and those who have passed away.
In many districts, the active caseload between criminal and civil courts can be in excess of 500 per week. An assistant state’s attorney therefore often works on multiple cases simultaneously to juggle responsibilities and keep the office running smoothly. Some state law offices may be subdivided into offices that help streamline the work and keep relevant cases in their respective departments. Juvenile and special criminal proceedings, for example, can be separated from standard criminal proceedings both in their management and in procedural techniques. Still other offices may be devoted solely to civil prosecution, narcotics, and domestic investigations.
Another way law offices can be managed is by division. Some assistant state attorneys may, for example, work specifically on cases involving property or labor crimes. Larger offices may also include specialized units for crimes such as elder abuse, sexual misconduct and domestic violence.
It is probable that a delegation of responsibility is also evident in the distinction of titles among the auxiliary state attorneys. The Assistant General Staff Attorney, for example, may be designated to provide legal guidance in those divisions assigned by the State Attorney. In addition to prosecuting appropriate cases, this senior position may also speak at child safety seminars and conferences, coordinate child support enforcement programs, and determine staff priorities and job assignments.
Another position with specific job functions may be first assistant state’s attorney. This person is likely to litigate in all major crime cases to ensure fairness and successful convictions. Additional duties may include distributing new cases based on the experience and ability of staff attorneys, coordinating requests for search warrants, and formulating trial strategies.
Working at the assistant level often prepares attorneys for future assignments in more prestigious positions. In addition to court appearances and conducting legal research, the assistant state attorney also often works with law enforcement agencies and conducts public awareness activities. Some districts, for example, require assistants to coordinate with residents, business owners and police task forces to implement programs that manage crime and increase arrests.
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