Assistant State's Attorney- Conviction and Sentencing Integrity

Unit Overview

CSIU is a specialized post-trial division within the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office responsible for reviewing cases involving claims of excessive or unjust sentences and allegations of actual innocence. ASAs assigned to this unit conduct comprehensive, independent reviews of post-conviction matters to ensure that criminal convictions and sentences remain fair, lawful, and consistent with the interests of justice. The unit plays a vital role in maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system through objective case evaluation and ethical decision-making.

CSIU ASAs review petitions seeking sentence modifications or reductions, particularly those involving individuals who were under the age of twenty-five at the time of their convictions. ASAs evaluate legal claims, institutional records, psychological risk assessments, and other relevant materials while maintaining regular communication with victims and victims' families throughout the review process. The unit may also investigate claims of actual innocence and other post-conviction matters requiring detailed factual and legal analysis. ASAs assigned to the CSIU are expected to exercise exceptional legal judgment, analytical reasoning, professionalism, and sound prosecutorial discretion.

Primary Responsibilities

ASAs assigned to the Conviction and Sentencing Integrity Unit are responsible for:

• Reviewing petitions seeking sentence modifications, reductions, or other post-conviction relief involving claims of excessive or unjust sentences.

• Conducting comprehensive legal and factual reviews of post-trial cases to determine whether relief is appropriate and consistent with the interests of justice.

• Reviewing criminal case files, trial transcripts, court records, sentencing materials, and prior pleadings.

• Investigating allegations contained in petitions through independent review and collaboration with relevant agencies.

• Reviewing institutional records, disciplinary histories, rehabilitation efforts, educational achievements, and other correctional records.

• Evaluating psychological evaluations, risk assessments, and other expert reports relevant to sentencing considerations.

• Contacting victims and next of kin to obtain their perspectives regarding requested sentence modifications or post-conviction relief.

• Preparing written responses, legal memoranda, pleadings, and recommendations regarding pending petitions.

• Reviewing and investigating claims of actual innocence and other post-conviction matters requiring additional factual investigation.

• Conducting legal research involving constitutional law, sentencing law, criminal procedure, and emerging legal developments.

• Representing the State during hearings involving sentence modification, post-conviction relief, and other proceedings as assigned.

• Ensuring compliance with constitutional obligations, Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, and applicable post-conviction statutes.

• Maintaining accurate case documentation and timely updating case management systems.

• Collaborating with trial prosecutors, defense counsel, law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, victim service providers, and other criminal justice partners.

• Performing other prosecutorial duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

ASAs assigned to the Conviction and Sentencing Integrity 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, sentencing law, and post-conviction procedures.

• Apply ethical prosecutorial standards while conducting impartial, objective, and independent case reviews.

• Conduct advanced legal research and prepare clear, concise, and persuasive legal memoranda, motions, and written recommendations.

• Analyze complex trial records, sentencing documents, institutional records, psychological evaluations, and investigative materials.

• Evaluate legal and factual claims involving sentence modifications, actual innocence, and post-conviction relief.

• Exercise sound prosecutorial discretion, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and independent judgment when assessing post-conviction petitions.

• Communicate professionally and effectively with victims, next of kin, defense counsel, judges, correctional personnel, mental health professionals, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice partners.

• Maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive criminal case records, victim information, and sealed proceedings.

• Effectively manage multiple complex post-conviction reviews while meeting statutory deadlines and Office expectations.

• Adapt to evolving legislation, constitutional developments, appellate decisions, and best practices relating to sentencing reform and conviction integrity.

• Demonstrate exceptional legal writing, organization, professionalism, integrity, objectivity, and attention to detail.

The Conviction and Sentencing Integrity Unit serves a critical role in ensuring that criminal convictions and sentences remain consistent with the law, evolving legal standards, and the interests of justice. Attorneys assigned to the unit are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, integrity, and ethical conduct while objectively reviewing post-conviction matters and maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

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 five (5) years of criminal litigation experience, with substantial felony prosecution or post-conviction experience preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Maryland Criminal Law, the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Maryland Rules of Evidence, constitutional law, sentencing law, and post-conviction litigation.

• Experience reviewing complex criminal case files, trial records, sentencing materials, and post-conviction petitions.

• Strong legal research, analytical reasoning, investigative, and persuasive legal writing skills.

• Ability to independently evaluate legal and factual issues while exercising sound prosecutorial discretion and objective judgment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with victims, next of kin, correctional institutions, mental health professionals, defense counsel, trial prosecutors, and other criminal justice partners.

• Demonstrated commitment to fairness, ethical decision-making, and the impartial administration of justice.

Salary Range

SAO 2 $88,100.00 to $139,725

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