0000003919.PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR II.PUBLIC DEFENDER

Dallas County; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Dallas County in Texas is seeking an Investigator to support the Public Defender's Office by investigating felony and misdemeanor charges. The role involves gathering data, locating evidence, and preparing cases for trial with exhibits and forensic review.

You will interview witnesses, coordinate subpoenas and travel, and assist attorneys during jury selection and trial phases. A Bachelor’s degree and two years’ investigative experience are required; a Texas driver’s license is essential;

Qualifications

• Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, social or behavioral science, or a related field.
• Two years criminal or legal investigative experience.
• Skilled in investigative techniques and evidence handling for trial.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally and build professional relationships.
• Knowledge of penal codes, court procedures, and investigative methods.
• Skill in interviewing and gathering pertinent data for cases.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License and good driving record; 10-year driving history may be required.
• May require TCLEOSE Basic Peace Officer certification.

Responsibilities

• Assists the public defender in gathering data and identifying significant factors for complex cases.
• Locates and develops evidence to assist in plea negotiations.
• Plans and organizes work for trials and prepares cases for disposition.
• Reconstructs events and timelines for criminal cases.
• Interview and notify witnesses, coordinate subpoenas, and manage travel/logistics for witnesses.
• Collects and prepares physical evidence and reviews forensic reports.
• Assists attorneys during jury selection and trial phases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviewing

Evidence gathering

Criminal investigation

Communication skills

Legal knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in criminology/criminal justice/social or behavioral science

Two years criminal or legal investigative experience

TCLEOSE Basic Peace Officer Certification (if required)

Job description

Job Description

Investigates felony and misdemeanor charges filed against individuals represented by the Public Defender's Office.

Job Description

Investigates felony and misdemeanor charges filed against individuals represented by the Public Defender's Office.

Responsibilities

• Assists the assigned public defender in gathering pertinent data, identifying significant factors and recognizing solutions for the moderate to complex or specialized case.
• Locates and develops evidence to assist in plea negotiations.
• Works independently in planning and organizing work as part of a trial or section and in preparing cases for disposition.
• Assists in reconstructing events, sequences, and time elements in preparation of criminal cases.
• Locates, interviews, and notifies witnesses of trial dates by means of serving subpoenas, summons, and writs, and coordinates transportation and lodging of trial witnesses, and checks background of witnesses that may be used during trial.
• Collects and prepares physical evidence for trial and reviews various reports such as medical autopsy and forensic reports as part of the investigative process.
• Assists attorneys during the jury selection and trial phases.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience and Training:

Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminology, criminal justice, social or behavioral science, or a job related field of study. Two (2) years criminal or legal investigative experience.

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Skilled in the use of standard software applications. Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public. Knowledge of investigator/investigative techniques, penal codes, welfare and institutional codes, and court procedures in order to ascertain investigative needs. Knowledge of methods and techniques of screening, evaluating and preparing evidence and exhibits for trial. Skill in interviewing. Must possess a valid Texas Drivers License and good driving record. Will be required to provide a copy of 10-year driving history. Must maintain a good driving record and remain in compliance with Article II, Subdivision II of Chapter 90 of the Dallas County Code. May require TCLEOSE certification as a Basic Peace Officer.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

Standard office environment 50% of the time with the remainder of time spent in a typical law enforcement street environment.