Hoping to Become A Prosecuting Attorney

[PM Hall]

Hello:

I am preparing to become a Family Law Attorney,specializing in Domestic Violence Prosecution, but I have alot of questions about how officers feel about attorneys and the current laws in relation to this crime.

To learn about police procedure,I am going on informational interviews with officers in my hometown,via police ridealongs. Question-what more can I do to learn proper procedures so I can present my cases better in court?

With my classes being for Criminal Justice,what books can I read in order to ready myself for classes?

My second degree is in Paralegal Studies,and I was wondering if there are any positions in police departments for either degrees,while I am a student obtaining my degrees?

Please email me with any helpful information.

Thank You,
Pam

[scott715us]

Officer's feelings on attorneys can go both ways. Although I don't care much for what defense attorney's do, most out there are good people that defend others for the money. I don't think I could do it.

I may attend law school fall 2006. I haven't decided yet. I have taken the LSAT and scored high enough to attend, just depends on how the money looks. I have a good job now and enjoy my work and my dept.

You're already on the right track by riding with the officer's in your area. They could probably give you a good idea of some attorneys/judges to be wary of, things to keep thick skin torwards, and what you will be looking forward to with domestic violence cases. It sure isn't like Law & Order (although I like the show).

[Cat_Doc]

Question-what more can I do to learn proper procedures so I can present my cases better in court?

Try a "ride-along" with your local prosecutors office.

[valycop]

Pam you also might try for an internship with the prosecutors office. Our prosecutors currently have two college students working with them from Mary Baldwin College and of course an evaluation is completed so they are given the appropriate college credit.

[PM Hall]

Thanks for helping me.
I went on my first ridealong Sunday Afternoon and was fortunate to witness a 'processing' and Evidence log-in. Both officers explained to me what was happening and how the vehicle seized was going to be sold at auction to benefit the department.

I am going to call the Prosecutors Office here and ask if I can observe them and possibly do an informational interview with the DA here.

Everyone here have been wonderful to me. Thanks for the advice.

Pam

[mcsap]

The down side is I make more then all but the DA and his first Assistant in my county. It is no wonder that prosecutors don't typically stay more than a few years.

[PM Hall]

UPDATE:
I have signed up for my classes and one is taught by the Maryland State Police.
All my goals are in sight, and I have been offered a position with VIPS, Volunteers in Patrol here with the MSP in Washington County Maryland-my new home.

They have told me that it takes alot pf prayers and hard work to make it.
New Questions: How to be the best I can be in this field?
What can I read to prepare for this field.