Investigator - Chesterfield

DHRM•Chesterfield, VA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is hiring an Investigator for the Chesterfield Public Defender's Office to conduct investigative work in support of public defense cases. The position is dedicated to helping provide zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy and protecting clients’ rights and dignity. The Investigator reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Chesterfield Office, is employed at-will, and also reports to the attorney handling each case. The Investigator conducts interviews with relevant witnesses and defendants; gathers documents; takes photographs and measurements; serves subpoenas; and takes other steps needed for thorough case investigations. The role includes fieldwork and face-to-face information gathering, visiting crime scenes and incarcerated clients or witnesses, and appearing or testifying in court as needed. Investigators work closely with the public defender team and use electronic media, body-camera evidence, social media, cell-phone data, and other digital evidence. A flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, is required as investigations demand.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or prior experience in investigation.
Excellent written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Valid driver’s license and a vehicle for travel required by investigations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and interact effectively with the public and office colleagues.
Ability to manage time and stay organized, and to work independently and collaboratively.
Experience using Microsoft Office products and internet research tools.
Familiarity with electronic media, body-camera evidence, social media, and similar platforms.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as investigations require.
Belief in the presumption of innocence and concern for protecting every person’s constitutional rights.
Professional desire to serve underprivileged individuals.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Authorization to work in the United States; the employer uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship.
Submit both a cover letter and resume; applications must be submitted electronically.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
Experience working with marginalized communities.
Background in investigative journalism or media reporting.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct investigations in defense of clients charged with criminal offenses.
Interview clients, defendants, and witnesses to gather information relevant to case preparation.
Conduct field investigations and face-to-face interactions to obtain information.
Gather documents, take photographs and measurements, serve subpoenas, and complete other investigative steps as assigned by the attorney.
Visit crime scenes to take measurements, make drawings, and photograph the area.
Review social media, cell-phone data, body-camera evidence, and other electronic or digital evidence.
Draft written case-investigation reports for attorneys.
Visit incarcerated clients and witnesses.
Appear in court and provide testimony as needed.
Work closely with the public defender team and the attorney handling each case.