Investigator 2 (32946)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is seeking an Investigator to support attorneys in criminal defense across New Mexico. Travel may be required statewide; you will gather statements, interview witnesses, review evidence, and assist with trial preparation.

The role may involve undercover work, surveillance, and documenting findings with written reports. Qualified candidates hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and have at least two years of experience (six years may substitute).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and two (2) years of job related experience.
• Two years of experience may be substituted by six years of education/experience combined.

Responsibilities

• Work independently to investigate the facts of a case and assist in developing a defense for clients charged with crimes in New Mexico.
• Conduct interviews, obtain statements, and collect information involving evidence.
• Investigate and reply to correspondence regarding hearings, accidents, and other legal matters.
• Perform undercover work to observe subjects inconspicuously.
• Gather information using cameras, GPS, and other devices.
• Visit and document scenes of alleged incidents; support trial preparation and testify when needed.
• Review reports and discovery to ensure completeness and proper application of laws.
• Coordinate with staff to service client needs and case logistics.

Skills

Investigation

Interviewing

Surveillance

Evidence Review

Trial Preparation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business and Administration, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science or related field

Tools

Cameras

GPS

Video recording

Job description

Travel may be required throughout the State of New Mexico. The objective summary of this job classification is to investigate the facts of a case to assist the attorney in developing a defense for clients charged with crimes in New Mexico.

For more information about living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, click here. Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood.

• Work independently to investigate the facts of a case and to assist the attorney in developing a defense for clients charged with crimes in New Mexico.
• Conduct interviews, obtain statements regarding investigated issues; collects information involving agreements, documents, financial records, physical aspects and other evidence relating to corporations and individuals being investigated.
• Investigate and reply to correspondence regarding hearings, accidents, and other legal matters.
• Perform work that must be "undercover" in order to get information or to observe a subject or witness inconspicuously.
• Using photographic and video cameras, binoculars, cell phones and GPS systems, investigators gather information on an individual.
• Visit, photograph, document and recreate scenes of alleged incidents with or without the assigned attorney
• Investigators perform physical surveillance, which may be high tech or low tech.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation and testify at trial or hearings as needed;
• Review reports of investigations to ensure completeness and proper application of the governing laws or regulations.
• Review discovery in the analysis of criminal cases
• Conduct tactical analysis of complex criminal cases and organizes large amounts of diverse information into concise analytical form; create charts, graphs and spreadsheets to characterize criminal activities and determine appropriate methods of analysis; provide criminal strategic analysis and recommend actions based on findings.
• Review chain of custody forms, review manner in which police or laboratories gathered evidence to find flaws or mishandling of evidence.
• Possess and utilize knowledge of general aspects of crime-scene management in the digital age vs. physical evidence.
• Train staff in investigating procedures, interrogation, and factual analysis;
• Review evidence for possible cross-contamination.
• Coordinate with administrative support staff to best serve the needs of the client and case.
• Serve subpoenas
• Maintains accurate files of correspondence and materials relating to investigation assignments.
• Produce high quality of written records and reports
• This classification may be required to report to a judicial partner’s building or office. Which may include Courthouses, District Attorney Offices, Detention Centers and/or Correctional Facilities. To perform the essential functions an incumbent in this classification may be required to successfully complete a 3rd party background check conducted by a judicial partner.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business and Administration, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science or other related field and two (2) years of job related experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.

Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.

Default FLSA: Non-exempt: In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding classifications identified as non-exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours (subject to approval from a supervisor) worked over 40 hours in a work week (begins on Saturday). These classifications may decline overtime. LOPD compensates with compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at a 1.5x rate in lieu of cash payments, if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.

The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.

This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.