Robert M. Dukes reports on his summer experience working for the DeKalb County District Attorney
September 17, 2010
ATLANTA -- I spent my summer working for the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. I worked in the Special Victims Unit and the Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Unit. The Special Victims Unit handles crimes were there has been a murder victim. The Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Unit handles all domestic violence and adult sexual assault cases including domestic violence homicides.
During my first week in the office, I had the opportunity to sit second chair in a murder trial involving three co-defendants. Besides assisting with trials, I had the opportunity to travel to crime scenes, research and write motions, and interview witnesses prior to trial. Also, I assisted with the magistrate court and had the opportunity to argue against recent Georgia State University College of Law alums currently working for the DeKalb County Public Defenders Office.
One of the best perks of working for the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office was sampling food from a wide range of restaurants in downtown Decatur. I had the opportunity to not only eat great cuisine but to get the opportunity to speak with attorneys about professional development and life as a litigator.
Finally, I took the opportunity to sit in on a variety of cases during periods of down time. I sat in the courtroom of GSU College of Law alumni, the Honorable Cynthia Becker and the Honorable Antonio DelCampo. I very much enjoyed watching lawyers in trial and having an opportunity sit in and watch jury trials.
By Robert M. Dukes