Investigator (Defense)

maricopa; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance

On-site Kids Club

Paid vacation & parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

Maricopa County Legal Defender is seeking an experienced investigator with a background in law enforcement or military investigative work to assess evidence, scenes, and documents. You will interview witnesses, conduct field investigations, testify in court, and collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and other investigators.

The position offers a hybrid schedule, tuition reimbursement, strong work‑life balance, and opportunities for growth within Maricopa County.

Qualifications

• Three years of investigative experience.
• High school diploma required; combination of education and experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid Arizona driver license upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate evidence, crime scenes and case-related documents.
• Prepare investigative summaries, presentations and/or diagrams.
• Assist in the development of defense strategies and case theories.
• Testify in court and conducts jail visits.
• Locate and interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases which may require in-state/out-of-state travel.
• Conduct field investigations, including taking photos, video, obtaining witness statements, and preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams.

Skills

Investigative experience

Witness interviews

Criminal defense knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field

Tools

Cameras

Video recording devices

Computers

Job description

Posting Date: 10/12/26

Application Deadline: 10/14/26

Pay Range: $29.25 - $48.00 hourly

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.

Job Type: Unclassified

Department: Legal Defender

About the Position

Do you have former law enforcement or military experience with investigative or criminal defense experience? Are you able to prepare investigative reports and assist in the development of defense strategies?

The Maricopa County Legal Defender is looking for an experienced investigator who is able to evaluate evidence, crime scenes, and other case-related documents. As an investigator, you would locate and interview potential witnesses, conduct field investigations, testify in court, and work with attorneys, paralegals, and other investigators.

About the Office of the Legal Defender

The Office of the Legal Defender consists of attorneys and support staff helping to provide quality legal representation to indigent individuals assigned to us by the court, thus safeguarding the fundamental legal rights of each member of the community.

Start your career adventure with us and seek just and equitable treatment for our clients!

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

We Require

• Three years of related investigative experience
• High school diploma
• A combination of post-secondary education and/or job-related experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications on a year-for-year basis
• Valid Arizona's driver license upon hire

We Also Value

• Prior law enforcement or military investigative experience, with an emphasis on previous homicide investigation experience
• Criminal defense investigative experience
• Training and experience in the forensic/digital sciences
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related field
• Experience in an indigent defense office

Job Contributions

• Review and evaluate evidence, crime scenes and case-related documents
• Prepare investigative summaries, presentations and/or diagrams
• Assist in the development of defense strategies and case theories
• Testify in court and conducts jail visits
• Locate and Interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases which may require in-state/out-of-state travel
• Conduct field investigations, including but not limited to taking photos, videotaping, obtaining witness statements, and preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams.
• Interface with criminal authorities, investigators from other law enforcement agencies and contacts at other related agencies
• Use and maintain cameras, video and recording devices, computers, motor vehicles and other related equipment
• Serve subpoenas and provide witness transportation as needed

Working Conditions

• Field and office work, along with travel in and out of state
• Requires viewing traumatic subject matter including crime scenes, accidents, etc.
• Ability to meet deadlines with a high volumes of work and frequent interruptions
• Requires contact with the public and close working relationships with other staff members
• Ability to lift, carry, or push up to 35 pounds for 200-300 feet

Selection Procedure

Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.

Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ