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This 8142 Public Defender’s Investigator position in the Public Defender’s Office is responsible for conducting comprehensive investigations to support the legal defense of Public Defender clients, including but not limited to those facing misdemeanor and felony charges in the adult and/or juvenile criminal legal systems, immigration, mental health, and post-conviction units.
Job Responsibility:
Meet with individuals in the community, county jail, juvenile hall, state and local hospitals, and/or other applicable detention facilities
Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold duty of loyalty to the client
Perform in-depth investigations across a wide range of criminal and juvenile cases, immigration, mental health and/or post-conviction cases
Review case files, documents, electronic recordings, and all evidence
Obtain needed records for potential use at hearings and trials
Research and obtain relevant information to support the defense
Locate and interview witnesses, crime victims, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, mental health professionals, community advocates, and family members
Transport witnesses and clients to/from court and other locations
Serve subpoenas
Collect and evaluate physical and material evidence
take photographs and measurements
conduct background checks
Collaborate with attorneys to meet clients, review evidence and develop case strategy
Assist in preparation for immigration hearings, post-conviction matters and/or civil hearings for clients with mental health challenges
Testify in court regarding interviews conducted, investigative findings, evidence integrity
Provide support at court hearings and trials
Maintain detailed records of investigation activities
Draft comprehensive investigative reports for attorney review
Draft other relevant reports for the case
Requirements:
One (1) year (2,000 hours) of verifiable experience as a Public Defender’s Investigator, a licensed private investigator, or experience performing investigative work in a professional field, such as law, social justice, media/journalism, public health/welfare, human/civil rights, education, social sciences, public policy, or non-profit work
OR Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Possession of a valid CA driver’s license
One (1) year (2,000 hours) of verifiable investigator training may substitute for the one (1) year of required experience
Nice to have:
Bilingual Spanish or Cantonese speaking
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Proven experience advocating on behalf of individuals in the adult or juvenile criminal justice system
Prior experience working as a defense team member supporting immigration, mental health, and/or post-conviction work
Strong problem-solving skills and initiative
Collaborative and supportive team player
Maintains high standards of personal and professional ethics
Energetic, creative, and solution-focused
Dedicated to treating clients with empathy and respect
Works collaboratively to foster a positive and supportive environment