Criminal Investigator 1

State of Ohio • Marietta, OH

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a Criminal Investigator 1 for the Washington County Office of its Trial Services Division. The role conducts criminal fact investigations involving possible non-capital felonies and misdemeanors and assists with preparing and presenting cases at all levels of litigation, including trials in Municipal, Juvenile, and Common Pleas Courts. The Trial Services Division provides client-centered representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges across Ohio.

The position involves regular travel throughout Washington County and time in the community, jails, and courthouses. The investigator works as part of a team that includes six staff attorneys, four core support staff, and a supervising attorney, and reports to the Office Director. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with a large team and assisting people facing challenges related to poverty. Professional or volunteer experience helping to pursue a fair justice system is preferred.

Requirements

• At least 12 months of training or 12 months of experience conducting investigations of complaints or possible violations of laws, rules, or agency/company policies and procedures; or completion of associate degree program core coursework in law enforcement; or an equivalent qualification.
• Job skills include investigation, attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork, and written communication.

Nice To Haves

• Professional or volunteer experience helping to pursue a fair justice system.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the facts and circumstances of alleged offenses.
• Serve subpoenas.
• Interview clients.
• Review case materials.
• Use a variety of tools to locate, contact, and interview witnesses in the field.
• Locate, contact, and interview other suspects and family members as needed.
• Gather physical and documentary evidence.
• Prepare reports of interviews and findings, and develop timelines for trial use.
• Gather documentation to support the testimony of expert and lay witnesses.
• View and diagram crime scenes.
• Assist in identifying records to introduce into evidence.
• Travel throughout Ohio and outside the state as necessary to locate and interview potential witnesses.
• Serve as a liaison among clients’ families, law enforcement, defense witnesses, and attorneys to transmit information.
• Meet regularly with the defense team to provide investigation updates and collaborate.
• Assist with mail, court runs, or filings.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed