What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Defender position at Coles County Public Defender's Office?
We are seeking an experienced attorney to be an assistant to the Coles County Public Defender concentrated in the defense of indigent individuals appointed by Circuit Court Judges and any Associate Judge in criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings. This position is primarily for felony and juvenile abuse and neglect cases, but will also Include representation of clients in mental health commitment, misdemeanor, traffic, and criminal contempt proceedings and related matters as assigned, using knowledge of criminal law, departmental, County of Coles and the Circuit Court of Coles County policies, rules, standards and practices, including the rules of conduct and procedure as found in the statutes of the State of Illinois and the rules of the Illinois Supreme Court. Depending on court obligations, assistants can occasionally work remotely.
The duties of an Assistant Public Defender include, but are not limited to, the following :
- Interviews clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of the case;
- Conducts related investigations on behalf of clients;
- Correlates findings and prepares case for trial;
- Represents defendants in all aspects of the case to which they are assigned;
- Conducts trial or hearing of a cause on behalf of the client, including advising the client of their opinion as to the law and the facts;
- Conducts all facets of the criminal or quasi-criminal trial or hearings including examination or cross-examination of witnesses, presentation of arguments to the jury or court, and preparation of jury instructions;
- Presents offers of negotiated settlement of a cause to the client including appropriate admonitions, advisement of rights, and presentation of opinions as to the merits of the case, both from a factual and legal point of view;
- Reviews, analyzes and interprets reports, records, and directives;
- Conducts themselves at all times according to appropriate professional, ethical and moral standards.
The Coles County Public Defender's Office typically employs three assistant public defenders. This is a full time position with no separate private practice being authorized. As a full time assistant public defender, the attorney will receive all benefits accorded to all Coles County Employees, including IMRF, court holidays and optional health insurance. The successful candidate will also be a part of a rotating detention court schedule. Salary will be commensurate with experience as there is some flexibility within our budget.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Duane A. Deters, Chief Public Defender, Coles County Public Defender's Office, 616 6th St., Charleston, IL 61920 or by e-mail to ddeters@co.coles.il.us.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
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