Public Defender Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• One year of experience investigating alleged criminal offenses for the purpose of developing and documenting factual information to be used in criminal trials or one year of experience interviewing patients for the purpose of obtaining and documenting factual information concerning medical history or any combination of these types of experience equaling one year.
• Must be able to operate a computer, cell phone and other office equipment.
• Must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation.
• Must undergo and pass a background check.
• Provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum qualifications.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and/or experience with criminal court procedures
• Experience working in the criminal justice or court system, with detained persons, attorneys and/or medical professionals
• Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families
• High proficiency with technology to include compiling and synthesizing large volumes of data
• Experience testifying in court

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct for the defense of persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender.
• Interview clients to obtain their version of the alleged offense, develop leads, and gather information and evidence for the defense’s case.
• Conduct field investigations involving client contact with indigent defendants, their family members, and witnesses.
• Perform field investigations and subpoena service at various locations including crime scenes, detention centers, prisons, private residences, and places of employment.
• Travel to locate and interview clients and witnesses.
• Interview clients to obtain background information (medical, mental health, drug/alcohol, criminal history) and financial information to determine eligibility for services.
• Interview clients to fill out the client information form and gather information relevant to a case.
• Direct client messages, concerns, and phone calls to the attorney or appropriate staff member.
• Obtain trial dates, statements of charges, docket entries, income verification documents, witness information, and client statements for inclusion in the case file and case file management system.
• Assemble and prepare case files with the defendant's background information, charging documents, witness information, client statement, and other relevant case information for use by attorneys.
• Create a matter ID and upload all pertinent information into the case management system.
• Review discovery, including watching, organizing, and preparing body-worn camera footage and video surveillance.
• Serve and file subpoenas.
• Assist clients with the OPD application processes.
• Provide office coverage.
• Assist the front desk with client walk-ins and phone calls.
• Enter data in the agency's case management system.
• Conduct intake interviews daily at the office, jail, prison, detention center, hospital, and court settings.
• Extract and organize data for use in case preparation and trial.
• Operate a computer, cell phone, and other office equipment.
• Communicate with employees and vendors.
• Complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Multi-task and travel to various courthouses and office environments throughout the state.

Benefits

• STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS