The Solicitor for the City of Albany Municipal Court will be the prosecuting officer of the Municipal Court in all criminal and non-criminal cases. The Solicitor may prosecute nuisance abatement and animal control cases. The Solicitor will evaluate and prosecute misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic violations to provide justice and promote the safety of residents. Additionally, the Solicitor will perform such duties as prescribed by the City Ordinance and required by law.
Responsible for providing clients with legal support and advice. Listens to client instructions before discussing any necessary courses of legal action.
Drafts the necessary legal documents and contracts for each case. Researches previous cases and relevant laws to provide accurate advice.
Evaluates violations of criminal law: reviews warrants and/or citations issued for violations; reviews incident reports, witness statements, video, lab reports, photographs, and other pertinent information; conducts case research; notes specifics of dates, previous offenses, and other related information; determines validity and weight of evidence, and determines specific criminal law violations.
Provides plea recommendations for violations formulates plea offers based on the law, nature of the violation, the criminal history of the defendant, and any other related factors; and provides plea offer to Defense Counsel for resolution of the established case.
Determines victim impact when applicable: evaluates the potential for future harm to the victim; reviews elements of the case and compares to any changes to the law; determines restitution amount; and calculates the defendant's potential to succeed on probation versus the need to protect the community or specific individual.
Coordinates with community partners and the public to promote criminal justice efforts: educates and informs the community about the criminal justice system; conducts and attends meetings with schools, government organizations, interest groups, or other community partners; participates in task forces and review committees; and responds to inquiries from law enforcement, the Courts, other agencies, the District Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, legislators, and the general public.
Communicates with defense counsel or prosecuting attorneys, judges, law enforcement, investigators, legal support staff, witnesses, experts, probation officers, supervisor, government officials, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, present or exchange information, provide legal counsel and interpretation, or resolve problems.
Maintains current, comprehensive knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, principles, and practices relating to the prosecution of criminal offenses; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; attends workshops training sessions and meetings as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum Qualifications
The candidate shall have at least one year of trial experience and be a member, in good standing, with the State Bar of Georgia. After appointment, the candidate shall continue to possess said qualifications and shall not hold or qualify for city or county elected office. To person shall perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.