Deputy District Attorney III

Notice of change: this recruitment is open until filled.




DDA III Salary: $128,835.20 - $155,604.80 Annually
 

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office currently has multiple Deputy District Attorney III vacancies located throughout the County of Santa Barbara. We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future vacancies in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc. Please select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies. Work locations are assigned by the District Attorney and subject to change based on workload demands. 

About the Department: The mission of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office is to pursue truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty, protecting the innocent, and preventing crime.
  
The District Attorney has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. The Office embodies a “team” approach to fighting crime, wherein Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Witness staff, and support staff work closely together at all stages of a case. The Office is also dedicated to ongoing training and skill development, as well as fostering the development of new technologies to fight crime and achieve justice. Specialized prosecution units exist for areas of great concern to the County including violent crimes, gangs, vulnerable victims, and white-collar crime.

The Position:

Under direction, represents the People in specialized collaborative court and diversion calendars, evaluates criminal cases for eligibility for collaborative justice programs, and works closely with justice system partners to promote public safety, offender accountability, and successful treatment outcomes.

The Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is an experienced prosecutor who demonstrates sound judgment, strong courtroom advocacy, and excellent interpersonal skills. They exercise thoughtful prosecutorial discretion while balancing public safety, victim interests, offender accountability, and rehabilitation. They work effectively with judges, defense counsel, Probation, Behavioral Wellness, treatment providers, law enforcement agencies, and community partners. Experience handling cases involving mental illness, substance use disorders, behavioral health issues, or collaborative justice programs is desirable but not required. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, collaborative, and committed to evidence-based practices that reduce recidivism while maintaining accountability.

Collaborative Courts Assignment

• Represent the People in specialized collaborative court and diversion calendars in Santa Maria, including, but not limited to, Mental Health Diversion, Veterans Treatment Court, Military Diversion, Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST) proceedings, Health and Safety Code section 11395 court, and other collaborative justice initiatives as assigned.
• Evaluate criminal cases for eligibility for diversion, treatment courts, collaborative justice programs, and other alternatives authorized by law.
• Participate in multidisciplinary staffing meetings with justice system and treatment partners.
• Monitor participant compliance and advocate for appropriate incentives, sanctions, and program modifications.
• Make recommendations regarding admission, continued participation, graduation, or termination from collaborative court programs.
• Appear in court for collaborative court proceedings, review hearings, sentencing hearings, and related motions.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Superior Court, Probation Department, Behavioral Wellness, treatment providers, defense counsel, law enforcement agencies, and community partners.
• Provide legal guidance regarding collaborative court eligibility, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with developing and improving collaborative court and diversion programs.
• Provide mentorship and training to deputy district attorneys related to collaborative justice and behavioral health issues.

To learn more about the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, visit: https://da.countyofsb.org/. You can also watch our video at https://youtu.be/z8hEhSA4T-A?si=oO3w23lOpEsBLBni

Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s must possess strong moral standards and adhere to ethical standards of the California Bar. Specifically, be disciplinary-free from Rules 3.8 and 5-110 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor.  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Deputy District Attorney I/II/III/IV/Senior is a flexibly staffed series. Deputy District Attorney III is distinguished from Deputy District Attorney IV in that the latter handles the more difficult work.