Chief – Criminal Division

 DEFINITION 

Under the general direction of the Attorney General, this position requires supervision of the legal professional work in the Criminal Division. 

Work is performed in accordance with established rules, policies, and procedures regarding criminal cases. An employee at this level is expected to implement departmental policies established by the Attorney General and management for the division in accordance with departmental policies. An employee is expected to appear before the courts on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands in criminal cases; to render written opinions on legal questions related to the various government departments and agencies; and to prepare legal documents and instruments in which the Government of the Virgin Islands has an interest. All work is subject to review by the Attorney General while in draft form, upon his or her request. 

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE) 

• Conducts, supervises, and reviews the daily management and oversight of the Criminal Division 
• Assignment criminal cases 
• Timely review and completion of projects that may be assigned by the Attorney General 
• Occasionally consults with the Attorney General, Chief Deputy Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General regarding criminal violations 
• At times appear for and represent the executive branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands in criminal proceedings in which the Government has an interest. 
• Exercise initiative and judgment in oversight and responsibility for the effective management of White-Collar Crime 
• Development of policies and guidelines for plea agreements, sentencing, charging Chief Criminal Division
• and trial practice 
• Supervision of time and attendance of all staff assigned 
• Ensures meeting all court imposed due dates of criminal cases assigned 
• Provides guidance to staff on department policy, effective case management, and case handling 
• Determines the training needs of staff and effective implementation 
• Appear and/or represent the Department at public functions 
• Organizes performance appraisal for all staff 
• Assists in the recruitment of candidates for and participates in the interview and selection process, making recommendations to the Attorney General 
• Performs other related work as required 

FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

• Thorough knowledge of Virgin Islands Code and federal rules and regulations. 
• Demonstrated experience investigating, prosecuting, and supervising the prosecution of criminal cases. 
• Demonstrated experience managing a diverse workforce (including lawyers, non-lawyer professionals, and support staff while enforcing or defending the law. 
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures for coordination and general administration. 
• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and precedents to difficult legal problems. 
• Ability to efficiently operate the Criminal Division Chief Criminal Division
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, associates, and the public. 
• Ability to develop in-service training programs for staff. 
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS 

Provides direction, management, and supervision over the Criminal Division, through supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff 

FACTOR 3 – GUIDELINES 

Guidelines include federal, local, and departmental manuals or legal procedures as outlined for the USVI; the Virgin Islands Code; and Standard Operating Procedures for the Agency. 

FACTOR 4 – COMPLEXITY 

Personal judgment and initiative must be exercised. Interprets and comprehends administrative procedures, protocol, efficient office maintenance, regulations, and procedures. 

FACTOR 5 – PERSONAL CONTACTS 

This position requires contact with employees within the agency, as well as outside agencies, utilizing telephone, e-mail, fax, and/or in–person communication. 

FACTOR 6 – PURPOSE OF CONTACTS 

Contacts are made to coordinate with outside agencies, managers, and staff to obtain necessary information or documentation to assist in fulfilling duties. Chief Criminal Division

FACTOR 7 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Work is mostly sedentary. May be mentally and emotionally stressful. Position may require periods of extended sitting or computer use and after work hours. 

FACTOR 8 – WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is performed in an office or courtroom setting; however, some fieldwork and travel may be required. 

MINIMUM QUALFICATIONS 

LL. B or J.D. degree plus five (5) or more years as an Assistant Attorney General with the Department of Justice or another prosecuting office 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Active member of the Virgin Islands Bar Association