Deputy Public Defender - IV

deputy public defender i - iv

county of humboldt public defender's office

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• prepares the defense for court-appointed cases in a variety of misdemeanor cases.
• conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research; coordinates investigative activities with public defender investigator.
• represents clients at arraignments, pretrials, jury trials.

definition

under general supervision, performs legal work of a routine to complex nature; provides public defense and legal services for court-appointed cases; performs related work as assigned.

distinguishing characteristics

this is a multi-level class in which incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels, depending upon experience, proficiency gained, and the complexity of assigned cases.the work may be related to any of a number of criminal areas, including both felonies and misdemeanors, and involves providing legal defense for indigent court-referred clients.involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of the work of other professional staff increase as incumbents progress through the various levels.deputy

public defender iv is considered to be the highest level non-supervisory class, fully capable of working independently in any number of complex areas and providing direction and training to less experienced staff.while expertise may be gained in a specialized area, incumbents may direct or assist with the defense of others from pretrial through appeal stages.these classes are distinguished from assistant public defender in that the latter is a full supervisory class with responsibility for a major area of county legal matters and may act as the public defender on a relief basis.

• prepares the defense for court-referred clients in a variety of felony cases.
• confers with clients advising them of charges and legal rights; reviews police reports and explains legal procedures; arranges for the release of in-custody clients if possible; explores potential admission to state mental health facilities;
• conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research and necessary investigation; coordinates investigative activities with public defender investigator staff.
• appears at pretrials, trials, arraignments, revocation and bail hearings, and preliminary, intervention and conservatorship hearings to represent clients.
• prepares suppression motions, motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw a plea, appellate briefs, and motions for judicial recommendation against deportation.
• investigates and prepares responses to prosecution claims; negotiates with prosecution attorneys for case disposition or modification.
• performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the defense case.
• prepares a variety of legal documentation, including reports, correspondence and opinions related to client cases.
• maintains accurate records and files and compiles reports of work performed.
• monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on public defense activities and recommends appropriate action.
• directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned.

note
:the level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed

below are related to experience, proficiency and

complexity of assigned cases as specified under

distinguishing characteristics.

knowledge of
:

• principles, philosophy and practice of criminal law, especially as related to the defense of court-referred clients.
• principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation.
• judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
• state and federal laws and constitution provisions affecting public defense from pretrial through appeal.

skill in
:

• defining issues, performing legal research, analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives and making appropriate recommendations.
• presenting statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically.
• exercising sound, independent judgment within the general policy guidelines and legal parameters.
• interpreting state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public defense activities.
• representing assigned clients effectively in hearings, courts of law and meetings with others.
• preparing clear, concise and legally sufficient written materials.
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

other requirements
:

must possess a valid california driver's license.must be a current member of the california state bar…