Sr. Deputy District Attorney - Appeals

• The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office is seeking an
• experienced and highly skilled Senior Deputy District Attorney – Appeals to
• serve as an appellate advocate and subject‑matter expert on high‑level legal
• issues affecting the District. This senior role is central to shaping criminal
• jurisprudence in Colorado and ensuring the fair and consistent administration
• of justice throughout Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.
• You will litigate complex matters before the Colorado Supreme
• Court, the Colorado Court of Appeals, and District Courts within the 23rd
• Judicial District. In addition, this position oversees several specialized
• legal areas critical to the Office’s operations, including CCJRA/CORA issues,
• civil forfeiture, sealings, and civil litigation.
• This position is ideal for an attorney who thrives on
• sophisticated legal analysis, constitutional interpretation, mentoring trial
• deputies, and handling impactful appellate and civil matters.

Key Responsibilities

Appellate Litigation

• Represent the People of the State of Colorado in
• the Colorado Supreme Court in certiorari matters, original proceedings
• under C.A.R. 21, and interlocutory appeals under C.A.R. 4.1.
• Prosecute state‑initiated appeals and cross‑appeals
• in the Colorado Court of Appeals involving pretrial, trial, and sentencing
• issues under C.A.R. 4 and 4.1.
• Handle defense‑initiated misdemeanor appeals and
• state‑initiated suppression appeals in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln County
• District Courts under Crim. P. 37 and 37.1.

Specialized Legal Areas

• Advise on Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act
• (CCJRA) and Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) matters, including
• litigation, compliance, and policy development.
• Oversee and litigate civil forfeiture cases,
• ensuring statutory compliance and ethical enforcement.
• Manage record sealing determinations and related
• motions, providing guidance on statutory interpretation and procedural
• requirements.
• Handle or coordinate civil litigation involving
• the District Attorney’s Office, including constitutional claims,
• subpoenas, writs, and other civil matters impacting operations.

Legal Research & Writing

• Conduct extensive research on complex and
• emerging criminal and constitutional issues.
• Draft appellate briefs, motions, legal memoranda,
• and respond to postconviction filings.
• Present oral arguments before appellate courts.
• Prepare responses and litigate postconviction matters, including
• Crim. P. 35(c) claims, clemency and pardon requests, and Forensic Science
• Integrity Act filings.
• Support for Trial Deputies
• Provide legal guidance on motions, evidentiary
• matters, trial strategy, and post‑conviction issues.
• Offer support in significant cases involving
• complex legal, instructional, or constitutional questions.

Policy, Strategy & Training

• Develop legal strategies involving evolving
• constitutional, statutory, and procedural issues.
• Assist with drafting proposed legislation and
• amendments to the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Serve as a legal expert and training resource for
• prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, and partner agencies.