What's Involved in Being a Prosecutor?

I'm interested in the legal field and curious about what a prosecutor does. What are their main duties and challenges in court? Does working in different jurisdictions change a lot of what they do?

A prosecutor, sometimes referred to as a District Attorney (DA) or State Attorney in certain jurisdictions, is essentially a government lawyer who presents the case against an accused person or entity in a criminal trial. They have many responsibilities but let’s delve into the principal ones:

1. Case Evaluation: A significant part of the prosecutor's role involves assessing police reports and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue charges.

2. Charge Decision: Prosecutors decide whether to charge a person with a crime and which charges should be filed. This often involves applying complex sentencing laws and projecting the potential outcomes of various charges.

3. Trial: If a case proceeds to trial, the prosecutor presents the government's case, including opening statements, evidence presentation, witness examination, and closing arguments.

4. Plea Bargains: In cases where going to full trial might not serve the interests of justice or use of resources, prosecutors engage in negotiations for plea deals. They work with the defense attorney and, in turn, need to understand negotiation strategies and possess good communication skills.

Working in different jurisdictions indeed brings about changes in a prosecutor's role, chiefly due to variations in laws, regulations, crime rates, and community attitudes that can shape a prosecutor's scope of power and work priorities. For example, a prosecutor in a jurisdiction where drug offenses are high might structure their office to prioritize such offenses, or one in a jurisdiction focusing on rehabilitative justice might guide their decisions towards restorative solutions wherever possible.

Furthermore, the levels at which a prosecutor works—local, state, or federal—can also vary their role. Federal prosecutors, for example, handle cases involving federal statutes and cross-state crimes, which may involve complex legal issues and high-stakes scenarios.

Overall, successful prosecutors need a wide array of skills, including strong legal knowledge, good judgment, a capacity to think quickly, formidable negotiation skills, and a robust moral compass, to name a few. Due to the nature of their work, they often face high-stress situations and must navigate ethical considerations tied to their work. It's a demanding, yet rewarding role in the legal field.