Assistant Public Defender

Investigates assigned cases, interviews and subpoenas witnesses and conducts research in preparation for pre-trial hearings and trials.

• Counsels clients
• Prepares and files motions, briefs and other legal documents
• Visits mental hospitals, jails and state correctional facilities if client is detained
• Represents client at pre-trial hearings/conferences, other proceedings, arraignments, jury and non-jury trials, sentencing and post-conviction hearings
• Prepares post-trial motions, briefs and arguments for appeals to Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts
• Conducts legal research in preparation of cases and trials
• Negotiates plea-bargains with District Attorney for clients
• Utilizes computer for docketing, drafting letters and other legal correspondence or reports
• Dictates correspondence
• Interacts with other internal departments, police and external agencies and general public
• Attends staffing and training sessions
• Advises public groups of the functions of the office
• Travels as necessary for trial preparations