Assistant State Attorneys
The State Attorney's Office for the 9th Judicial Circuit is accepting applications for the position of Assistant State Attorney for a class starting August 12, 2019. Current members of the Florida bar and recent graduates taking the July 2019 bar exam are invited to submit an application. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript. Please e-mail the required documents to Ms. Kelly Hicks, Director of Training, at khicks@sao9.org. Only complete applications will be considered. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.
The Director of the Conviction Integrity Unit
Position Description:
The Director ("Director") of the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) will manage a newly established Unit dedicated to resolving post-conviction claims of innocence. The CIU operates distinct from the Criminal Division of the Office. The Director of CIU reports directly to the State Attorney.
This position is not related to the normal legal review of convictions by the State Attorney's Post- Conviction Unit. This position will typically involve newly discovered DNA, or other evidence, claims of misconduct against prosecutors or law enforcement officials that would directly affect a conviction. The Director will re-examine convictions, review cases and claims, communicate with those who submit claims, direct re-investigations, review/ analyze transcripts, staff cases, and assist with post-trial related matters as needed.
The Director will work to develop and implement best practice models for the office. Specifically, best practices regarding the prevention of constitutional violations (including Brady violations, ineffective assistance of counsel, unfair trials or plea agreements) that might lead to unjust convictions.
The Director will evaluate specific judicial outcomes and assess prospective risk factors that might impact a conviction or acquittal; thereby, ensuring the integrity of convictions in criminal cases prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office.
The Director will work directly with the independent review panel as organized by the State Attorney; the independent review panel is composed of experts in the area of criminal case investigations, attorneys with criminal trial experiences and citizens with relevant work or life histories, and will prepare recommendations for the State Attorney.
Duties/Requirements:
The Director is responsible for screening applications brought to the CIU so that cases assigned to AS As and Interns within the CIU meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the CIU’s published policies. The Director supervises the activities of the ASAs, Paralegals and Interns working in the CIU, by assigning cases and monitoring the progress of investigations. The Director also deals with the Investigations Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, which provides logistical support for the work of CIU.
Minimum Qualifications:
Admission to the Florida Bar
At least seven (7) years of experience litigating criminal cases, preferably in the trial courts. Strong analytical and writing skills.
Sound management skills aimed at promoting a candid exchange of views in a collegial atmosphere. The CIU functions most effectively when findings of an investigation are discussed among ASAs who challenge assumptions and debate conclusions, leading to a consensus of opinion on the recommendation to be made.
A willingness to maintain open communication with other participants in the field of wrongful convictions, including innocence organizations, other CIU’s, law school clinics, the public defenders’ offices, private counsel, defendants and their families.
A strong appreciation for the mission of the CIU and a commitment to consider criminal cases through application of unbiased, objective standards. The Director must set the example for consideration of cases, not from an advocate’s or prosecutor’s perspective, but from a clinical perspective that honestly evaluates whether the new evidence identified by defendant clearly gives rise to a concern that a wrongful conviction occurred.
Key Competencies:
Ability to think and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated leadership ability. Excellent analytical and writing skills, and ability to construct cogent arguments. Great interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Honed organizational skills and the ability to prioritize cases. Interest in working with diverse range of people. Ability to assess work of ASA’s, Interns and Paralegals, and constructively supervise their work. Basic understanding of the root causes of injustice and an ability to push past the traditional concepts of justice toward the goal of conducting prosecution in a manner that is consistent with the American Bar Association Standards for Prosecution.
The Director of the Conviction Integrity Unit
Position Description:
The Director ("Director") of the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) will manage a newly established Unit dedicated to resolving post-conviction claims of innocence. The CIU operates distinct from the Criminal Division of the Office. The Director of CIU reports directly to the State Attorney.
This position is not related to the normal legal review of convictions by the State Attorney's Post- Conviction Unit. This position will typically involve newly discovered DNA, or other evidence, claims of misconduct against prosecutors or law enforcement officials that would directly affect a conviction. The Director will re-examine convictions, review cases and claims, communicate with those who submit claims, direct re-investigations, review/ analyze transcripts, staff cases, and assist with post-trial related matters as needed.
The Director will work to develop and implement best practice models for the office. Specifically, best practices regarding the prevention of constitutional violations (including Brady violations, ineffective assistance of counsel, unfair trials or plea agreements) that might lead to unjust convictions.
The Director will evaluate specific judicial outcomes and assess prospective risk factors that might impact a conviction or acquittal; thereby, ensuring the integrity of convictions in criminal cases prosecuted by the State Attorney's Office.
The Director will work directly with the independent review panel as organized by the State Attorney; the independent review panel is composed of experts in the area of criminal case investigations, attorneys with criminal trial experiences and citizens with relevant work or life histories, and will prepare recommendations for the State Attorney.
Duties/Requirements:
The Director is responsible for screening applications brought to the CIU so that cases assigned to AS As and Interns within the CIU meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the CIU’s published policies. The Director supervises the activities of the ASAs, Paralegals and Interns working in the CIU, by assigning cases and monitoring the progress of investigations. The Director also deals with the Investigations Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, which provides logistical support for the work of CIU.
Minimum Qualifications:
Admission to the Florida Bar
At least seven (7) years of experience litigating criminal cases, preferably in the trial courts. Strong analytical and writing skills.
Sound management skills aimed at promoting a candid exchange of views in a collegial atmosphere. The CIU functions most effectively when findings of an investigation are discussed among ASAs who challenge assumptions and debate conclusions, leading to a consensus of opinion on the recommendation to be made.
A willingness to maintain open communication with other participants in the field of wrongful convictions, including innocence organizations, other CIU’s, law school clinics, the public defenders’ offices, private counsel, defendants and their families.
A strong appreciation for the mission of the CIU and a commitment to consider criminal cases through application of unbiased, objective standards. The Director must set the example for consideration of cases, not from an advocate’s or prosecutor’s perspective, but from a clinical perspective that honestly evaluates whether the new evidence identified by defendant clearly gives rise to a concern that a wrongful conviction occurred.
Key Competencies:
Ability to think and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated leadership ability. Excellent analytical and writing skills, and ability to construct cogent arguments. Great interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Honed organizational skills and the ability to prioritize cases. Interest in working with diverse range of people. Ability to assess work of ASA’s, Interns and Paralegals, and constructively supervise their work. Basic understanding of the root causes of injustice and an ability to push past the traditional concepts of justice toward the goal of conducting prosecution in a manner that is consistent with the American Bar Association Standards for Prosecution.
Administrative Support
All open support and administrative positions for the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office are posted on the People First Job Center. You may submit your application via People First. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. To download an Office of the State Attorney application, click here. Completed applications, cover letter, and resume can be emailed to the Director of Human Resources, Tamra Crane, at TCrane@sao9.org.
Investigators
The Ninth Judicial Circuit employs law enforcement investigators pursuant to F. S. 27.255. State Attorney investigators are required to have a minimum of three years of previous law enforcement experience and maintain a current certification with the Florida Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
State Attorney Investigator Duties Include:
State Attorney Investigator Duties Include:
- Support the efforts of the Assistant State Attorneys by locating, communicating and transporting victims and witnesses as necessary;
- Support the efforts of the Assistant State Attorneys by facilitating the collection of additional evidentiary articles and sworn statements when found to exist;
- Support the efforts of the Assistant State Attorneys by coordinating the aforementioned efforts with the applicable local law enforcement agencies’ participation;
- Support the efforts of the Assistant State Attorneys by serving subpoenas within the state;
- Conduct criminal investigations, such as misconduct, corruption and Governor’s assignments, and collect case-related interviews and evidence for their use in criminal prosecution;
- Make arrests based on probable cause, with or without search or arrest warrants, including the pursuit, apprehension and arrest of individuals violating state laws, or county or city ordinances within the Ninth Judicial Circuit;
- Testify in court as to the conclusions and evaluations of evidence and other investigatory discoveries;
- Conduct preliminary reviews of use-of-force investigations related to law enforcement forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office;
- Assist other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations;
- Perform work related to the prosecution or clearance of criminal cases.
Certified Legal Internship (2L or 3L) / Law Student Volunteer (1L, 2L, or 3L)
The Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Office offers non-paying professional internships for second and third year law students considering a career in criminal prosecution. As a Certified Legal Intern (CLI), students are exposed to the criminal justice system and the multifaceted role of the prosecution.
Law students interested in applying for the CLI program must begin the process in their law school’s clinical program. After receiving your school’s application packet through their application process, a representative from the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Human Resources department will contact you if additional information is needed.
Space in our CLI program is limited. Once your application packet is reviewed and approved, we will notify your school of your status. All required forms and documents must be completed and submitted prior to the start of your internship period.
The State Attorney's Office is currently accepting applications for the position of Law Student Volunteer (non-certified legal intern). If you are a 1L, 2L, or 3L interested in a summer internship with the State Attorney's Office, please send a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript to Ms. Kelly Hicks, Director of Training, at khicks@sao9.org. Only complete applications will be accepted. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.
Law students interested in applying for the CLI program must begin the process in their law school’s clinical program. After receiving your school’s application packet through their application process, a representative from the Ninth Circuit State Attorney’s Human Resources department will contact you if additional information is needed.
Space in our CLI program is limited. Once your application packet is reviewed and approved, we will notify your school of your status. All required forms and documents must be completed and submitted prior to the start of your internship period.
The State Attorney's Office is currently accepting applications for the position of Law Student Volunteer (non-certified legal intern). If you are a 1L, 2L, or 3L interested in a summer internship with the State Attorney's Office, please send a cover letter, resume, and law school transcript to Ms. Kelly Hicks, Director of Training, at khicks@sao9.org. Only complete applications will be accepted. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview.
Victim Witness Counselor II
To apply, complete the online application process.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Work
The purpose of this position is to provide direct support to victims of crime through each stage of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice System; to provide support to secondary victims and witnesses as needed; and to act as a liaison between the Assistant State Attorney and the victims/witnesses involved in the criminal cases prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Acts as liaison between the Assistant State Attorney and the victims/witnesses involved in criminal cases prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney. Explains to victims and witnesses the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they appear. Explains to victims and witnesses the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they are to appear. Maintains and documents ongoing contact with victims/witnesses. Keeps victims informed of their right to attend each crucial stage of the Criminal or Juvenile court hearing. If victim/witnesses have not called within a reasonable period of time after being served a subpoena, tries to contact them, when possible, and advises them of court calendar procedures. Contacts said victim/witnesses when attorney requests a piece of information or advises what time they will be needed for trial or when. Inform victims of right to request and receive restitution. Help victim document financial loss as a direct result of crime to assist ASA determine appropriate amount of restitution. Provide assistance to victims to file for Victim Compensation through the Attorney General’s Office. Notifies victim/witnesses of any scheduling changes in Criminal or Juvenile Proceedings. Makes initial contact with victims of violent crimes to interview such victims and assist them in completing appropriate sworn statements or affidavits consistent with office policy. Submits to attorneys a complete analysis of each interview including information regarding the reliability and credibility of the witness, the weakness of the case caused by inability or reluctance of victim/witness to testify for any reason. Reports any special concerns the Victim/witness has regarding their safety and /or disposition of the case. Provides victims with information regarding their rights under Chapter 960. Assists with Victim Impact Statements as needed. Explains to victim/witness their role in the CJS or JJS process including what the victim/witness may expect from the system as well as what the system expects from the Victim/witness. Acts as the primary emotional support for victims and witnesses and provides guidance to them during the criminal justice process. Assesses needs of victims and witnesses and offers referrals for community resources when appropriate. Upon request, notifies victim/witness employer that their cooperation may necessitate absence from work and explains to creditors the reasons for financial hardship when it is the direct result of crime. Works with ASA to help the victim/witness with Court Preparation, Courtroom Orientation and Court Accompaniment as needed or requested. Works with ASA to help the victim/witness with Court Preparation, Courtroom Orientation and Court Accompaniment as needed or requested.
Upon request, assists victim to have property held for evidentiary purposes returned at the conclusion of case unless there is a compelling reason to retain it. Appropriately documents all contacts with victims/witnesses in case notes, in case management system and/or in memorandums to the A.S.A. Keeps track of all services provided to report to grant providers when appropriate. Provides other services as needed such as transportation, arranging for separate Pre-Trial waiting areas and securing appropriate translator services as needed or requested.
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Training and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college program with major work in the area of social science or criminal justice, or equivalent combination of training and experience. Bi-lingual preferred but not required. The salary for this position is $28,500.00.
The Office of the State Attorney Ninth Circuit is a Tobacco Free environment.
No phone calls please.
If you are interested in this position, please submit cover letters and resume to Tamra Crane, Human Resources Director, via email at TCrane@sao9.org.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Work
The purpose of this position is to provide direct support to victims of crime through each stage of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice System; to provide support to secondary victims and witnesses as needed; and to act as a liaison between the Assistant State Attorney and the victims/witnesses involved in the criminal cases prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Acts as liaison between the Assistant State Attorney and the victims/witnesses involved in criminal cases prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney. Explains to victims and witnesses the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they appear. Explains to victims and witnesses the stages of their case including the purpose of their being subpoenaed and the importance of being available for trial on the date they are to appear. Maintains and documents ongoing contact with victims/witnesses. Keeps victims informed of their right to attend each crucial stage of the Criminal or Juvenile court hearing. If victim/witnesses have not called within a reasonable period of time after being served a subpoena, tries to contact them, when possible, and advises them of court calendar procedures. Contacts said victim/witnesses when attorney requests a piece of information or advises what time they will be needed for trial or when. Inform victims of right to request and receive restitution. Help victim document financial loss as a direct result of crime to assist ASA determine appropriate amount of restitution. Provide assistance to victims to file for Victim Compensation through the Attorney General’s Office. Notifies victim/witnesses of any scheduling changes in Criminal or Juvenile Proceedings. Makes initial contact with victims of violent crimes to interview such victims and assist them in completing appropriate sworn statements or affidavits consistent with office policy. Submits to attorneys a complete analysis of each interview including information regarding the reliability and credibility of the witness, the weakness of the case caused by inability or reluctance of victim/witness to testify for any reason. Reports any special concerns the Victim/witness has regarding their safety and /or disposition of the case. Provides victims with information regarding their rights under Chapter 960. Assists with Victim Impact Statements as needed. Explains to victim/witness their role in the CJS or JJS process including what the victim/witness may expect from the system as well as what the system expects from the Victim/witness. Acts as the primary emotional support for victims and witnesses and provides guidance to them during the criminal justice process. Assesses needs of victims and witnesses and offers referrals for community resources when appropriate. Upon request, notifies victim/witness employer that their cooperation may necessitate absence from work and explains to creditors the reasons for financial hardship when it is the direct result of crime. Works with ASA to help the victim/witness with Court Preparation, Courtroom Orientation and Court Accompaniment as needed or requested. Works with ASA to help the victim/witness with Court Preparation, Courtroom Orientation and Court Accompaniment as needed or requested.
Upon request, assists victim to have property held for evidentiary purposes returned at the conclusion of case unless there is a compelling reason to retain it. Appropriately documents all contacts with victims/witnesses in case notes, in case management system and/or in memorandums to the A.S.A. Keeps track of all services provided to report to grant providers when appropriate. Provides other services as needed such as transportation, arranging for separate Pre-Trial waiting areas and securing appropriate translator services as needed or requested.
Performs related work as required.
Minimum Training and Experience
Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college program with major work in the area of social science or criminal justice, or equivalent combination of training and experience. Bi-lingual preferred but not required. The salary for this position is $28,500.00.
The Office of the State Attorney Ninth Circuit is a Tobacco Free environment.
No phone calls please.
If you are interested in this position, please submit cover letters and resume to Tamra Crane, Human Resources Director, via email at TCrane@sao9.org.
Victim Advocate Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering with the State Attorney’s Victim Advocacy Program, please contact Erin McCaulley, Victim Services Director, via e-mail at emccaulley@sao9.org.