DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

About the role

The Fresno County Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of all persons in the community who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty interest due to a criminal accusation or other statutorily defined state action. It is the goal of the Public Defender's Office to protect every client's constitutional rights, to defend against discriminatory treatment and disproportionate punishment, and to ensure that no one who is innocent is ever wrongfully convicted. The Office provides all mandated legal services in an efficient and cost‑effective manner while holding itself to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

Defense Attorney I

• Receives orientation to the operations, processes and procedures of the Public Defender's Office.
• Performs legal research and investigation in the preparation of cases for court.
• Prepares briefs.
• May present a full range of misdemeanor cases in court upon assignment.
• Performs other work as required.

Defense Attorney II

• Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases of average difficulty.
• Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
• Studies, interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.

Defense Attorney III

• Acts as defense counsel in major criminal cases.
• Interviews and advises clients and witnesses.
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• May occasionally assign, review, and coordinate the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.

Defense Attorney IV

• Acts as defense counsel in complex and sensitive criminal cases.
• Interviews and advises clients and witnesses.
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
• Assigns, reviews, and coordinates the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.
• Does advanced legal research under only policy guidance.

Requirements

Defense Attorney I

• Membership in the State Bar of California.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Defense Attorney II

• Membership in the State Bar of California.