Criminal Defense Investigator2

State of Montana•Helena, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Public Defender's mission is to provide the most compassionate and expert defense of clients and the Constitution, aiming to create expert teams of advocates for justice, bringing respect and dignity to clients to achieve holistic and equitable outcomes. The Criminal Defense Investigator plays a pivotal role in the defense of clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Under general direction of counsel, this position conducts investigations into a broad range of alleged violations of criminal law, dependent neglect matters and other circumstances to assist in the representation of clients. Other primary duties include gathering and examining evidence, conducting interviews, serving subpoenas and testifying in court. The position reports to the Regional Deputy Defender and does not supervise other staff.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal investigations and Criminal laws and procedures of the State of Montana.
Knowledge of the methods and procedures for the collection of information and evidence.
Proficient with conducting interviews and interview techniques in order to gather details and secure information from other.
Ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
Ability to understand different aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and jail procedures.
Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to operate personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, other agencies, the public and clients.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to plan, organize, and gather information.
Ability to undertake additional responsibilities and respond to situations without supervision.
Ability to accurately track numerous details simultaneously.
Ability to perform tasks with high work standards and accuracy while under pressure of strict deadlines and repeated challenges.
Ability to accept responsibility for the outcomes of work.
Must have the ability to travel and operate a motor vehicle.
Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, Sociology or closely related Investigative Field.
2 years' progressively responsible experience in investigative work.

Responsibilities

Conducts investigations for the defense of clients, including performing investigations that may require specialized training, such as crime scene and criminal investigations or specialized interview techniques, investigating major crimes and cases requiring cooperation and coordination in multiple jurisdictions or across multiple agencies.
Coordinates investigations with OPD attorneys and other defense counsel to guarantee responsiveness to rapidly changing case needs and priorities and to perform investigations that present a unified, compatible and effective defense for clients throughout the state of Montana.
Interviews suspects and witnesses, performs research, gathers and analyzes evidence, and identifies exculpatory evidence.
Reviews and analyzes reports, interviews, and evidence in cases to help defense counsel represent clients and determines if the evidence was properly obtained and maintained by charging parties.
Prepares clear, concise and comprehensive reports that explain the scope and results of the investigation in accordance with OPD format and policies in a professional manner to facilitate the successful defense of the case in court.
Organizes and correlates data, findings and results and ensures reports are complete, timely and accurate.
Testifies in courts, hearings, or during depositions on behalf of the defense to present investigative findings.
Collaborates, develops and maintains rapport and relationships with other offices and agencies and the public to obtain or exchange information regarding criminal investigations on behalf of the defense.
Obtains and serves subpoenas.
Provides training, advice and/or leads others regarding criminal investigation requirements, methods, procedures, and regulations; includes providing training for newly hired investigators.
Conducts background investigations as directed for employment with OPD.
May provides support as necessary to other OPD work units for the effective performance of the OPD.
Provide backup or fill in for co-workers as needed.
Ensures that investigative equipment and vehicles are properly maintained and used according to rules and policy.
Maintains evidence held by the OPD in a secure manner.
Continually updates the evidence locker in such a way as to preserve the evidence in ongoing cases and properly disseminate the property that is no longer needed.
May assist in the initial screening of clients for OPD when required.