Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney - SVU
Job Number: 357
Salary: $108,795.18 - $173,791.02
Department/Office: District Attorney
Division: District Attorney's Office
Location: 6450 S. Revere Pkwy, Centennial, CO, 80111
Job Type : Salary Full-Time
Posting Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 02/06/2026
The Arapahoe County government serves its communities in ways both obvious and obscure. As the beating heart of local and regional government, we're here for our neighbors on their best days-and their worst. We share our residents' goals of preserving our quality of life and strive to be the place we're proud to call home.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB:
The Assistant Chief Deputy DA performs a variety of professional legal and docket management functions to intake and prosecute felony offenses in the 18th Judicial District. Reviews, prepares, and tries criminal cases, provides related legal advice to law enforcement agencies. Performs related legal research and writing. Work involves cases and duties requiring an advanced level of experience and ability. Assumes responsibilities on behalf of the District Attorney (in the absence of the District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney). Participates in policy level decisions regarding office functions. May prepare and present cases for grand jury. Supervises line DDAs, first chair homicide trials.
DUTIES:
Prepares criminal matters for and represents the State at trial, appeal, and related hearings; may have primary responsibility in areas of felony case assignment. Screens criminal complaints brought the District Attorney's attention by private citizens and/or law enforcement personnel. Assists the District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney in preparing or trying criminal or quasi-criminal cases and in administrative matters, when so requested.
Interviews persons having pertinent information and conducts investigations to gather information necessary for criminal actions. Presents cases to and questions witnesses before the grand jury; prepares criminal indictments and subpoenas witnesses as directed by the grand jury.
Provides legal assistance and advice to law enforcement agencies in criminal matters; is available on-call at specified times for such advice and assistance. Acts as team lead of any designated team.
Reviews, prepares pleadings, negotiates and tries court cases. Conducts legal research necessary for case preparation and or office management to broaden legal background; keeps abreast of case law and legislation affecting state criminal laws.
Presents and advocates prosecution case at trial; interviews witnesses to ascertain their testimony; as applicable, conducts voir dire of jury candidates and accepts or excuses jurors in light of perceived positions relevant to the victim, defendant, crime charged, and/or facts of the case; prepares and presents opening statement to provide finder of fact with overview of case theory and supporting evidence; conducts direct and re-direct examination of prosecution witnesses to introduce physical and testimonial evidence to prove elements of crime(s) charged beyond a reasonable doubt within necessary foundations; offers objections to defense questions and statements to protect witnesses from abuse and/or to prevent introduction of irrelevant or inadmissible evidence; advocates prosecution position in response to defense objections and/or court rulings to preserve an appellate record; conducts cross-examination of defense witnesses to scrutinize and/or impeach their testimony; prepares jury instructions and advocates prosecution position to the defense and court to negotiate final version; prepares and presents closing and rebuttal arguments to review evidence and advocate for conviction.
Researches and responds to a wide variety of defense motions, e.g. suppression of statements/evidence, motions in limine, request for sanctions for violation of procedural rules, etc. Researches, prepares, and presents motions on behalf of the people, e.g. amend charges, add charges, 404(b) similar transactions, child hearsay, motions in limine, etc. Researches, prepares, and presents briefs to the Court advocating the People's position regarding legal issues raised during motions practice.
Acts in an on-call (after hours) capacity to respond to police inquiries regarding search and seizure, probable cause to arrest, non-testimonial identification items, and related legal issues; reviews affidavits for probable cause for arrest and search warrants; contacts on-call judge to arrange time for affiant to sign affidavit in judge's presence
May respond to crime scene as requested to offer suggestions to police regarding scope of investigation and preservation of evidence. Prepares limited correspondence in instances where out of court communication requires documentation, e.g. advising defense of exculpatory evidence, requests to filing detective for further investigation.
REQUIREMENTS:
Skills, Abilities and Competencies:
Considerable to extensive knowledge of the rules of criminal procedure and the rules of evidence; ability to effectively apply same in a preliminary hearing/trial setting related to felony offenses. Considerable knowledge of state statutes and general knowledge of substantive case law related to felony offenses. Ability to advocate and/or present legal/factual scenarios in a clear and persuasive manner to persons of highly varying legal, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to effectively process and dispose of felony criminal case filings while maintaining a balance of equal justice between victims, the People of the State of Colorado, and affected defendants; ability to assess cases for strengths versus weaknesses and aggravators versus mitigators to determine just and ethical dispositions that are within policies promulgated by the District Attorney.
Ability to react quickly and appropriately in court to defense objections, oral motions, court inquiries and rulings, and presentations/responses from defense attorneys and witnesses. Ability to write in a succinct and well-reasoned manner.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers, defense attorneys, victims, judges, court staff, police officers, witnesses, related agencies' personnel, and the general public; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with same.
Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
Education and Experience:
Graduation from law school as provided under Rule 205.1 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
5+ years litigation experience with demonstrated leadership experience.
Minimum 10 felony trials.
Any related equivalent governmental criminal prosecution experience may be considered.
Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:
Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.
Security clearance required: will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is split between a standard office environment, attending court, responding to crime scenes, and meetings inside and outside of the office with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses in various settings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Spends 60% of the time sitting and 40% of the time either standing or walking.
Occasionally lifts, carries, pulls or pushes up to 30 lbs.
Occasionally uses cart, dolly, or other equipment to carry in excess of 30 lbs.
Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
Work is split between a standard office environment, attending court, responding to crime scenes, and meetings inside and outside of the office with law enforcement, victims, and witnesses in various settings.
Verbal and auditory capacity enabling constant interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, and similar; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.
Below, please list any special physical demands associated with this position. For instance, exposure to hazardous environments, blood borne pathogens, extreme heat/cold, use of power equipment or machinery, wearing of PPE (personal protective equipment).
Definitions:
Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.
Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
Constantly: Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.
** Arapahoe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other status protected under the law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors. Arapahoe County is committed to making employment accessible to persons with disabilities.
** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.
Employee Benefits Summary Brochure (https://files.arapahoeco.gov/Human%20Resources/Work%20for%20Arapahoe%20County/Benefit_Summary.pdf)
Nearest Major Market: Denver
