Criminal Defense Investigator

Job Description - Criminal Defense Investigator (25140846)

Position Title:

Criminal Defense Investigator - ( 25140846 )

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials.

Although this position is based in Hamilton, investigative work is not limited to Ravalli County or the Hamilton Office. Assignments are based on the needs of the Agency.

Our Mission

To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Our Vision

Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender: Our work changes lives! The work OPD does makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do.

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability towork andplay in thebeautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers, and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.

Other fantastic benefits include:

• Health Coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays
• Work/life balance
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Telework (when applicable)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Resume
• References:Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.

About this Opportunity!

Job Overview:

The Criminal Defense Investigator plays a pivotal role in the defense of clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Under general direction of counsel, this position conducts investigations into a broad range of alleged violations of criminal law, dependent neglect matters and other circumstances to assist in the representation of clients. Other primary duties of a Criminal Defense Investigator include but are not limited to: gathering and examining evidence, conducting interviews, serving subpoenas and testifying in court.

The position reports to the Regional Deputy Defender and does not supervise other staff.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

• Conducts investigations for the defense of clients, including performing investigations that may require specialized training, such as crime scene and criminal investigations or specialized interview techniques, investigating major crimes and cases requiring cooperation and coordination in multiple jurisdictions or across multiple agencies.
• Coordinates investigations with OPD attorneys and other defense counsel to guarantee responsiveness to rapidly changing case needs and priorities and to perform investigations that present a unified, compatible and effective defense for clients throughout the state of Montana.
• Interviews suspects and witnesses, performs research, gathers and analyzes evidence, and identifies exculpatory evidence.
• Reviews and analyzes reports, interviews, and evidence in cases to help defense counsel represent clients and determines if the evidence was properly obtained and maintained by charging parties.
• Prepares clear, concise and comprehensive reports that explain the scope and results of the investigation in accordance with OPD format and policies in a professional manner to facilitate the successful defense of the case in court; Organizes and correlates data, findings and results and ensures reports are complete, timely and accurate.
• Testifies in courts, hearings, or during depositions on behalf of the defense to present investigative findings.
• Collaborates, develops and maintains rapport and relationships with other offices and agencies and the public to obtain or exchange information regarding criminal investigations on behalf of the defense.
• Obtains and serves subpoenas.
• Provides training, advice and/or leads others regarding criminal investigation requirements, methods, procedures, and regulations; includes providing training for newly hired investigators.

B. Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Conducts background investigations as directed for employment with OPD.
• May provides support as necessary to other OPD work units for the effective performance of the OPD. Provide backup or fill in for co-workers as needed.
• Ensures that investigative equipment and vehicles are properly maintained and used according to rules and policy.
• Maintains evidence held by the OPD in a secure manner. Continually updates the evidence locker in such a way as to preserve the evidence in ongoing cases and properly disseminate the property that is no longer needed.
• May assist in the initial screening of clients for OPD when required.

Physical and Environmental Demands: This position regularly requires field work which may include visits to known crime and drug use areas; bars and gambling establishments; detention centers; hospitals and private residences and other locations. Frequent visits to courtrooms, hearing offices, law enforcement offices and forensic labs is required. Exposure to stressful situations such as potential encounters with dangerous, hostile or confrontational individuals may be common. Requires irregular working hours to accommodate work demands. Travel is required (20%) of the time, however, occasional overnight travel throughout Montana to assist other investigators in investigations due to expertise, staff resources, and conflict of interests; training or the needs of the State Public Defender may be required at times.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Required for the first day of work:
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal investigations and Criminal laws and procedures of the State of Montana.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures for the collection of information and evidence.
• Proficient with conducting interviews and interview techniques in order to gather details and secure information from others.
• Ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to understand different aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and jail procedures.
• Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to operate personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, other agencies, the public and clients.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and gather information.
• Ability to undertake additional responsibilities and respond to situations without supervision.
• Ability to perform tasks with high work standards and accuracy while under pressure of strict deadlines and repeated challenges.
• Ability to accept responsibility for the outcomes of work.
• Must have the ability to travel and operate a motor vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, Sociology or closely related Investigative Field.
• 2 years' progressively responsible experience in investigative work.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

62,065.56 - 62,065.56 Yearly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.)

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings:

1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type:

Standard

Shift:

Day Job

Travel:

Yes, 20 % of the Time

Primary Location:

Hamilton

Agency:

Office of Public Defender

Union:

American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Posting Date:

Apr 21, 2025, 7:44:21 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): May 6, 2025, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name: Margaret McNivens | Contact Email: Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-5374

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.