Investigator - Bolivar Trial Office

State of Missouri; Bolivar (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Paid leave and holidays

Health insurance

Job summary

The Missouri State Public Defender System invites applications for a full-time Investigator in the Trial Division, based in Bolivar, MO. You will assist criminal defense attorneys by investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, serving subpoenas, and gathering evidence to support trial preparation.

No prior legal experience is required; comprehensive training will be provided. Benefits include a defined pension plan, paid leave, holidays, and health insurance coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, criminal justice, social work, or closely related field.
• HS diploma plus four years investigative or journalism-related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough investigations into factual claims in criminal cases.
• Visit clients in Missouri county facilities and corrections.
• Interview witnesses and gather necessary evidence to support the defense.
• Serve subpoenas and preserve evidence.
• Retrieve records and documents necessary for litigation.
• Assist attorneys with trial prep and deposition coordination.
• Research, secure, and coordinate expert witnesses as needed.
• Testify in court on behalf of the defendant when required.

Skills

Investigative interviewing

Evidence gathering

Trial prep support

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, criminal justice, social work, or related field

High school diploma with 4 years relevant experience

Tools

IT systems proficiency

Social media

Photography/Video/Audio

Job description

The Missouri State Public Defender System is a vital component of the state's justice system, providing legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney. Committed to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, our organization ensures that every individual, regardless of financial means, receives competent legal defense. As part of our team, you'll play a crucial role in investigating criminal cases, uncovering facts, and assisting in trial preparation to ensure that our clients receive the best possible defense.

The Missouri State Public Defender Investigator for the Trial Division is responsible for assisting criminal defense attorneys in investigating cases, gathering evidence, and preparing for trial. This role involves conducting interviews, serving subpoenas, retrieving documents, coordinating with experts, and providing support throughout the litigation process.

Job duties include:

1. Conduct thorough investigations into factual claims in criminal cases.
2. Visit clients in various county and correctional facilities across Missouri.
3. Interview witnesses and gather necessary evidence to support the defense.
4. Serve subpoenas and ensure the preservation of evidence.
5. Retrieve work records, mental health records, trial files, and other documents essential for litigation.
6. Assist attorneys with trial preparation and coordination of depositions.
7. Research, secure, and facilitate expert witnesses as needed.
8. Testify in court proceedings on behalf of the defendant when required.

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, criminal justice, social work, or a closely related field OR high school graduation equivalency plus four years of relevant experience such as: four years of experience in investigative activities, journalism, or related areas, or four years of clerical experience with at least two years involving specialized investigative or journalism work.

2. Preferred experience in uncovering hidden facts through witness interviews.

3. Proficiency in computer and IT systems, social media, photography, and video/audio systems.

4. Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

5. Knowledge of state and federal 'sunshine' laws is advantageous.

6. Willingness to travel locally and regionally, with mileage reimbursement provided.

No prior legal experience necessary; comprehensive training will be provided.

We foster a culture of creative thinking and teamwork, dedicated to advancing justice for individuals from all backgrounds.

This is a full-time position based in Bolivar. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .

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