Deputy Public Defender I/II/III/IV

Hiring Incentive – paid in first paycheck	$1,500
Personal Leave credit in first paycheck	40 hours
Upon completion of probationary period and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$1,500
Upon completion of 3 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$2,000
Upon completion of 4 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$3,000
Upon completion of 5 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation	$4,000
TOTAL	$12,000

Deputy Public Defender I: $81,112-$98,592 Annually
Deputy Public Defender II: $90,068-$109,479 Annually
Deputy Public Defender III: $109,643-$133,272 Annually
Deputy Public Defender IV: $126,891-$154,237 Annually 

Under direction, provides criminal defense representation, advice and assistance to indigent persons; performs case investigation, trial preparation and trial presentation, and performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
Receives direction from the Public Defender.  Exercises no direct supervision of staff.  May provide technical and functional direction over assigned lower level Deputy Public Defenders and, clerical support and investigative staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Deputy Public Defender I is the entry level classification within this flexible series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform the less difficult and less-controversial assignments in the Public Defender’s Office under the direction and guidance of the Public Defender or more senior attorneys.   Incumbents normally advance to the higher level of Deputy Public Defender II after gaining experience, achieving proficiency and demonstrating the ability to perform tasks which meet the requirements for Deputy Public Defender II.
 
Deputy Public Defender II is the journey level classification within this flexible series.  Under general direction, through formal and informal work review, incumbents perform the full range of assignments.  Projects assigned at this level are more difficult and complex, and incumbents receive a lesser degree of direction.  

Deputy Public Defender III is the advanced level classification within this flexible series.  Incumbents work on complex and difficult legal matters and assignments, controversial professional duties, and assignments that involve limited direction from the Public Defender.  Incumbents provide training and technical expertise to less experienced Deputy Public Defenders.  A high level of independence in handling cases and assignments is expected at this level.
 
Deputy Public Defender IV is the most experienced level classification within this flexible series.  Incumbents handle the most complex and sensitive legal assignments, requiring an experienced defense attorney with specialized training using a high degree of independent judgment and discretion. Deputy Public Defender IV’s are fully experienced and trained in procedures related to assigned area of responsibility, and provide direction and training to less experienced Deputy Public Defenders. They may assist in supervising the daily operations of the office.(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Provides legal counsel and representation to adult and juvenile indigents charged with criminal violations.
• Represents indigent adults in court in all phases of misdemeanor criminal cases including arraignments, bail hearings, pretrial settlement and readiness conferences, motion hearings, court trials, jury trials, sentencing, restitution hearings, and violation of probation hearings.
• Represents indigent adults in court in all phases of felony criminal cases of average difficulty,  including arraignment, motion hearings, preliminary hearings, pretrial settlement and readiness conferences, court trial, jury trial, sentencing hearings, and probation violation hearings.
• Represents adults and juveniles in juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings.
• Maintains and manages individual caseloads in a timely and effective manner.
• Oversees the work of office staff assisting with assigned cases.
• Reviews police reports and other pertinent information concerning clients’ cases. Reviews facts and circumstances of assigned cases to determine appropriate action.
• Interviews clients in the office, in court, and in the jail, to obtain and clarify facts; identifies and investigates inconsistent and conflicting information; develops and implements defense strategies.
• Researches statutory and case laws; 
• Advises clients as to their rights and the actions they should take in court, including the relative merits of trial by judge or jury and the advisability of negotiated pleas.
• Maintains documentation of clients' files.
• Initiates investigations and interviews witnesses and others having information or testimony essential to the development and presentation of the defense 
• Negotiates settlements with the District Attorney’s Office on behalf of clients.
• Coordinates case activities with other agencies and organizations as appropriate.
• Determines necessity of filing pre-trial motions Prepares briefs, pleadings and other documents and makes motions for continuances, dismissals, reduction of bail and new trials.
• Researches drafts, and prepares writs, briefs, subpoenas, appeals and other legal documents to be filed with the court.
• Consults with experts in various fields for assistance in preparing for trial, preparing reports, and testifying at trial. 
• Presents arguments to judges regarding sentencing. 
• Contacts probation and welfare departments regarding sentencing options on behalf of clients.
• Advises clients of their appellate rights and prepares necessary documentation to preserve the rights on appeal.
• Responds to and resolves inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
• Conducts legal research; compiles data for and prepares various legal documents, records, reports, recommendations and correspondence as required by the department, County, courts and/or other agencies.
• Performs general administrative and office work as necessary, including but not limited to attending meetings, reviewing mail and literature, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing reports and correspondence, assembling documents and files, etc.
• Keeps abreast of all new criminal legislation and case law affecting Tuolumne County cases.
• Attends professional conferences, training, seminars, and workshops; reads professional journals to maintain job knowledge and skills.
• Performs related duties as required.

 
Deputy Public Defender III / IV:  (In addition to the above)
 

• Prepares the more complex or higher profile cases assigned to the department for trial.
• Represents clients in all phases of all types of felony trials, including homicides, gang cases, rape and child molest cases, narcotics sale and related cases, sexually violent predator and other complex cases.
• Provides training and technical expertise to lower-level Deputy Public Defenders as assigned.
• May assist the Public Defender in supervising the daily operations of the office, including caseload assignment, progress monitoring and support services.

Knowledge of:
 
Deputy Public Defender I: 

• Basic principles and practices of criminal law.
• Basic principles and practices of family law and psychology. 
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Methods and techniques of legal research.
• Rules of evidence and their application.
• Methods of preparing legal and administrative documents, records and reports.
• Trial advocacy methods.
• Present law, facts, and arguments, clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Analyze, investigate, explain and write reports on legal matters.
• Maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with fellow staff members, other departmental personnel and the general public.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and county staff.
• Light physical effort which may include occasional light lifting, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Some walking may be involved.

 
Deputy Public Defender II:  (In addition to the above) 

• Complex principles of criminal law trial procedures, the rules of evidence, and their application.
• Methods of conducting sensitive investigations.
• Courtroom and judicial procedures and processes.
• Principles of pleading and practice.
• Established precedents, case law, and sources of legal reference applicable to Public Defender’s Office activities.
• Functions and authorities of criminal justice organizations.
• Management of media relations in routine and sensitive situations.

 
Deputy Public Defender  III / IV:  (In addition to the above) 

• Advanced legal research methods. 
• Complex legal principles, facts and evidence related to legal problems common to the Public Defender’s Office. 
• Powers, limitations and historical evolution of the Office of the Office of the Public Defender.
• Principles and practices of supervision, including work planning, assignment and review; training principles and practices, and job mentoring.

Ability to:
 
Deputy Public Defender I: 

• Learn to research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems when doing research and writing, client intake and in court.
• Learn to analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents and instruments.
• Learn to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Conduct research on legal problems and prepare sound legal opinions.
• Interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Maintain records and prepare required reports.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.

 
Deputy Public Defender II:  (In addition to the above) 

• Analyze and apply complex legal practices, principles, methods, facts and precedents to legal problems.
• Methods of conducting sensitive investigations.
• Effectively apply legal knowledge and principles in court.
• Evaluate cases to determine appropriate defense strategies and follow-up required.
• Analyze, investigate, explain and write reports on legal matters.
• Interview and prepare witnesses for testimony.
• Interact effectively with the news media while protecting defense interests.
• Understand and effectively use established precedents, case law and sources of legal reference available.

 
Deputy Public Defender III: (In addition to the above) 

• Provide defense in Reese hearings, LPS, and social work cases.
• Represent the County effectively in meetings with others and make formal presentations to various groups.
• Provide direction to lower level public defenders, including work planning, assignment and review; provide effective training and job mentoring as assigned.

 
Deputy Public Defender IV: (In addition to the above) 

• Defend complex and specialty cases, including but not limited to capital case or special circumstance assessment and defense, sexually violent predator defense, sanity defense.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and: 
 
Deputy Public Defender I:   No experience is required.
 
Deputy Public Defender II: Two (2) years of professional legal experience at a level equivalent to the Deputy Public Defender I with Tuolumne County.
 
Deputy Public Defender III: Four (4) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years at a level equivalent to the Deputy Public Defender II with Tuolumne County .
 
Deputy Public Defender IV:   Six (6) years of professional legal experience which has included at least two (2) years at a level equivalent to the Deputy Public Defender III with Tuolumne County.
 
Licenses and Certifications:
 

• Must possess and maintain active membership in good standing in the California State Bar Association.
• Must possess a California driver’s license and maintain and have a satisfactory driving record.

Salary : $81,099 - $154,232