Investigator

Beaufort County South Carolina•Beaufort, SC

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position in the Public Defender’s office is to support attorneys in preparing and presenting cases for trial, ensuring comprehensive client defense. Key responsibilities include assisting with trial materials, reviewing discovery, gathering witness information, serving subpoenas, collaborating on case strategies, and maintaining organized investigative records. Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills, a strong work ethic, and demonstrate a commitment to public defense.

Requirements

Requires Associate’s degree from an accredited college, preferably in criminal justice or a related field.
Six (6) years experience in law enforcement, criminal investigation, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment.
Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation.

Responsibilities

Conducts interviews with both incarcerated and non-incarcerated clients and witnesses.
Identifies any competency or bond issues during initial visits and communicates these to the attorney.
Regularly communicates with jail clients, delivers legal mail and discovery copies, and meets with them as needed by the attorney.
Locates and contacts individuals for case information, including witnesses, suspects, and family members.
Obtains witness statements, medical releases, and serves subpoenas for records.
Conducts investigations by searching various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others.
Locates, saves, forwards, and securely preserves social media content related to criminal cases for use as court evidence.
Visits local businesses to check for available video recordings; if found, reviews and downloads or transfers copies to a flash drive.
Attends court sessions to support attorneys, noting case details and tracking dispositions and motions.
Manages defense witnesses, handling subpoenas and facilitating communication between witnesses and attorneys during trials.
Assists in drafting and filing basic motions, including motions to set or reduce bond and to remove GPS.
Inputs Preliminary Hearing Docket into Defender Data, prepare FOIA requests, subpoenas, and file appeals with the court, including service and document preparation.
Track all court dates (preliminary hearings, second appearances, and trials) and update Defender Data accordingly.
Updates indictment numbers or Solicitor information on dockets as available.
Attends initial appearances to record information, update indictments, and close files in Defender Data for attorneys or the county.
Uploads sentencing paperwork and orders to Defender Data, files closed cases, manages storage, and retrieves boxes for attorneys as needed.
Performs related work as assigned.