Assistant State's Attorney- District Court

Unit Overview

The District Court Unit serves as the entry point for prosecuting criminal cases within the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office. ASAs assigned to this unit are responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor offenses, handling preliminary felony matters, and representing the State during a wide range of District Court proceedings. The unit plays a critical role in ensuring the fair, efficient, and timely administration of justice while serving as the foundation for prosecutorial training and courtroom experience.

District Court ASAs work closely with law enforcement agencies, victims, witnesses, defense counsel, and the judiciary to evaluate cases, prepare for trial, negotiate appropriate case resolutions, and advocate on behalf of the citizens of Prince George's County. ASAs assigned to the unit are expected to exercise sound legal judgment, maintain high ethical standards, and develop strong litigation skills while managing a high-volume caseload.

Primary Responsibilities

ASAs assigned to the District Court Unit are responsible for:

• Screening citizen-generated applications for criminal charges and determining prosecutorial merit.
• Reviewing police reports, investigative materials, body-worn camera footage, and other evidence to evaluate criminal cases.
• Preparing misdemeanor and qualifying felony cases for trial.
• Reviewing and making charging recommendations for cases eligible for Circuit Court prosecution.
• Conducting legal research and preparing pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and other court filings.
• Interviewing victims and witnesses to assess case readiness and prepare them for court proceedings.
• Maintaining regular communication with victims regarding case status, court dates, and available resources.
• Representing the State during initial appearances, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, motions hearings, bench trials, and other District Court proceedings.
• Negotiating plea agreements consistent with Office policies and the interests of justice.
• Litigating contested evidentiary issues and responding to defense motions.
• Conducting bench trials and, under the guidance of an assigned mentor, jury trials.
• Working collaboratively with law enforcement officers during trial preparation and court proceedings.
• Ensuring compliance with constitutional disclosure obligations and the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Maintaining accurate case documentation and timely updating case management systems.
• Providing legal guidance to citizens regarding criminal charging procedures when appropriate.
• Performing other prosecutorial duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

ASAs assigned to the District Court Unit should possess the ability to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, constitutional law, and victims' rights.
• Apply ethical prosecutorial standards and constitutional discovery obligations throughout all stages of prosecution.
• Conduct legal research and prepare clear, concise, and persuasive legal documents.
• Effectively manage a high-volume criminal caseload while meeting statutory deadlines and court schedules.
• Analyze police reports, investigative materials, witness statements, and other evidence to make informed charging and prosecutorial decisions.
• Prepare and litigate motions, bond hearings, bench trials, preliminary hearings, and other District Court proceedings.
• Conduct effective witness interviews and prepare victims and witnesses for courtroom testimony.
• Exercise sound prosecutorial discretion, critical thinking, and independent judgment in case evaluation and resolution.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, defense attorneys, judges, court staff, and members of the public.
• Negotiate plea agreements that promote justice, accountability, and public safety.
• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive criminal case information.
• Demonstrate strong courtroom advocacy, oral communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Adapt to evolving legislation, case law, prosecutorial policies, and courtroom procedures.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Maryland Bar and in good standing, or eligibility for admission pursuant to Maryland Rule 19.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, and constitutional law.
• Ability to effectively manage a high-volume caseload while meeting statutory deadlines and court schedules.
• Strong legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and courtroom presentation skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and prosecutorial discretion in the evaluation and disposition of criminal cases.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, court personnel, and colleagues.

Salary Range

Individual salaries are set based on budget and experience within the minimum and maximum defined above.  ASAs are also eligible for all County benefits including enrollment in healthcare, life insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, optional 457 deferred compensation plan, and other elective benefits.

SAO 1     $83,915.00 to $113,110.00

Prince George’s County Government is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Committed to Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace