Assistant Public Defender I

Bexar County PA; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 86,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Retirement plan

Benefits

Job summary

Bexar County is seeking an Assistant Public Defender I to represent defendants at initial bail hearings under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The APD must be licensed to practice law in Texas and graduated from an accredited law school.

The role supports clients facing detention and seeks appropriate bond conditions, with emphasis on mental illness or cognitive challenges. The APD will interview defendants, coordinate with jail and mental health staff, and advise clients

Qualifications

• Knowledge of criminal defense procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of Article 15.17 magistration and Bail procedures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage a demanding caseload.

Responsibilities

• Interviews defendants, obtain information relevant to bond amounts and conditions.
• Consult with jail personnel and mental health experts on bond issues.
• Confers with prosecuting attorneys on bond matters.
• Advise clients on Article 15.17 hearings and rights.
• Provide representation at magistration, 24/7 operations.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Criminal defense

Communication skills

Time management

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Title

Assistant Public Defender I

Pay Rate

Min to Mid Range $86,328.00 - $107,910.00

Time Type

Full time

Summary

Under general direction of the Chief Public Defender, Assistant Public Defender (APD) is responsible for representing defendants during the initial bail hearing conducted under Article 15.17 Code of Criminal Procedure. APD is an attorney licensed in the State of Texas, who has graduated from an accredited law school. APDs provide zealous advocacy to persons accused of crimes in Bexar County, Texas for the purpose of trying to secure clients' release on a personal bond or affordable cash bond. This position prefers experience representing clients who have a mental illness or intellectual disability. Duties will include interviews with special needs clients suffering from a wide range of mental illness or other disorders including drug abuse. Perform related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interviews defendants, obtain information relevant to bond amounts and conditions, research charges and criminal history
• Consult with jail personnel, mental health experts, treatment providers and pre-trial services and their staffs, on issues related to setting bond amount and conditions
• Confers with prosecuting attorneys on bond amounts and conditions
• Advise clients on the Article 15.17 hearing, the charges against them, their rights and opportunities for treatment
• Provide representation of defendants at magistration, which operates on a 24 hours a day/7 days a week basis
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence
• Knowledge of criminal defense procedures and techniques; Knowledge of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17 initial magistration and Chapter 17 Bail
• Good written and oral communication skills required
• Effective organizational and time management skills required to successfully execute job duties; must possess the skill to manage a demanding caseload of cases assigned
• Ability to work with mentally ill indigent defendants
• Ability to communicate effectively recently arrested individuals
• Ability to organize and present facts and legal arguments, with supporting logic in a courtroom setting
• Ability to operate computer and utilize case management software
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, county employees, outside agencies and the general public
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and maintain good standing with State Bar of Texas
• Must comply with all conditions imposed at the Judicial Intake and Assessment Center
• Must secure and maintain a pre-employment physical
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation
• May be required to work shifts and hours outside the normal 8-5 business day
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Working With Bexar County

Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits.

Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren).

Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.

Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Are you looking to join a team that values respect, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and excellence? Become one of our 5,000+ public servants committed to building a better community through quality services.

With nearly 5,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, Bexar County offers a wide range of opportunities. Our 18 locations and campuses throughout the county jurisdiction are testament to our expansive reach.

As public servants, Bexar County employees are dedicated to enhancing our community through exceptional service. Join us and become part of an organization that values accountability, professionalism, and innovation, all while striving for excellence in service.

At Bexar County, we are committed to fostering a positive work environment that emphasizes reciprocity, professional growth, and a healthy work/life balance.

This mutual commitment is evident in the strong bonds we maintain with our employees, even into their retirement.