Assistant State's Attorney- Major Crimes

Unit Overview

MCU is responsible for prosecuting serious felonies, including crimes of violence and offenses that significantly impact community safety. ASAs assigned to this unit prosecute offenses including robbery, burglary, carjacking, first-degree assault, attempted murder, motor vehicle theft, and other major felony crimes. ASAs manage cases from initial screening and charging through trial, sentencing, and post-disposition matters, while ensuring the fair and effective administration of justice.

Major Crimes Unit ASAs work closely with law enforcement agencies, victims, witnesses, victim witness coordinators, paralegals, administrative staff, defense counsel, and the judiciary to evaluate evidence, develop prosecution strategies, prepare cases for trial, and advocate on behalf of the citizens of Prince George's County. ASAs assigned to the unit are expected to exercise sound legal judgment, demonstrate advanced litigation skills, and independently manage a high-volume felony caseload.

Primary Responsibilities

ASAs assigned to the Major Crimes Unit are responsible for:

• Screening and evaluating felony investigations to determine appropriate criminal charges.
• Reviewing police reports, witness statements, body-worn camera footage, surveillance videos, forensic reports, digital evidence, and other investigative materials.
• Preparing felony cases for Grand Jury presentation, indictment, and prosecution.
• Conducting legal research and preparing pleadings, motions, subpoenas, discovery responses, and other court filings.
• Managing discovery obligations in accordance with Maryland law and Office policies.
• Preparing victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers for court proceedings and trial testimony.
• Maintaining regular communication with victims regarding case status, court dates, plea negotiations, and available resources.
• Negotiating plea agreements consistent with Office policies and the interests of justice.
• Litigating motions hearings, suppression hearings, evidentiary hearings, jury trials, sentencing proceedings, and other Circuit Court matters.
• Developing trial strategies and representing the State throughout all phases of felony jury trials.
• Supervising and collaborating with assigned paralegals, administrative assistants, victim witness coordinators, and other support staff to ensure efficient case management.
• Working collaboratively with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during ongoing investigations and trial preparation.
• Ensuring compliance with constitutional disclosure obligations and the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Maintaining accurate case documentation and timely updating case management systems.
• Performing other prosecutorial duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

ASAs assigned to the Major Crimes 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 felony prosecution.
• Conduct advanced legal research and prepare clear, concise, and persuasive legal pleadings, motions, and memoranda.
• Analyze complex investigative materials, forensic evidence, witness statements, digital evidence, and law enforcement reports to make informed prosecutorial decisions.
• Prepare and litigate felony motions, evidentiary hearings, suppression hearings, jury trials, and sentencing proceedings.
• Exercise sound prosecutorial discretion, critical thinking, and independent judgment in evaluating serious felony offenses.
• Effectively communicate with victims, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, defense attorneys, judges, court staff, and members of the public.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with law enforcement agencies, victim service providers, and internal Office personnel.
• Supervise and effectively coordinate the work of paralegals, administrative assistants, and victim witness coordinators assigned to support felony prosecutions.
• Effectively manage a high-volume felony caseload while meeting statutory deadlines, discovery obligations, and court schedules.
• Adapt to evolving legislation, case law, prosecutorial policies, and courtroom procedures.
• Demonstrate exceptional courtroom advocacy, organization, professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail while handling complex felony litigation.

Minimum Qualifications

(Each progressive SAO Classification has substantially more stringent minimum qualifications)

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Maryland Bar and in good standing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of criminal litigation experience, with felony prosecution experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, constitutional law, and felony trial practice.
• Experience prosecuting felony offenses and managing cases through indictment, discovery, motions practice, jury trial, and sentencing.
• Strong legal research, analytical reasoning, negotiation, and persuasive legal writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume felony caseload while exercising sound prosecutorial discretion and legal judgment.
• Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, victims, witnesses, and multidisciplinary support staff.
• Excellent courtroom advocacy, communication, organizational, and case management skills.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of assigned support personnel while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.

Salary Range

Individual salaries are set based on budget and experience within the minimums and maximums 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 3             $96,500.00 to $153,000.00

SAO 4             $104,670.00 to $166,347.00

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