Investigator

Description

The purpose of this position in the Public Defender’s office is to support attorneys in preparing and presenting cases for trial, ensuring comprehensive client defense. Key responsibilities include assisting with trial materials, reviewing discovery, gathering witness information, serving subpoenas, collaborating on case strategies, and maintaining organized investigative records. Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills, a strong work ethic, and demonstrate a commitment to public defense.

Examples of Duties

• Counsels with incarcerated and non-incarcerated clients and witnesses. For jail visits, ensures medical releases are signed as needed and notifies the attorney via Defender Data. Identifies any competency or bond issues and communicates these to the attorney.

• Communicates with jail clients, delivers legal mail and discovery copies, and meets with them as needed by the attorney. Available to visit the jail to drop off mail or facilitate client signatures as required.

• Locates and contacts individuals for case information, including witnesses, suspects, and family members. Obtains witness statements, medical releases, and serves subpoenas for records. Saves and shares all gathered information and court documents in Defender Data.

• Conducts investigations by searching various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. Locates, saves, forwards, and securely preserves social media content related to criminal cases for use as court evidence.

• Attends court sessions to support attorneys, noting case details in Defender Data and tracking dispositions and motions. Manages defense witnesses, handles subpoenas, and facilitates communication between witnesses and attorneys during trials.

• Aids in drafting and filing basic motions, including motions to set or reduce bond and to remove GPS. Inputs preliminary hearing docket into Defender Data, prepares FOIA requests, subpoenas, and files appeals with the court, including service and document preparation.

• Tracks all court dates (preliminary hearings, second appearances, and trials) and updates Defender Data accordingly. Updates indictment numbers or Solicitor information on dockets as available. Attends initial appearances to record information, update indictments, and close files in Defender Data for attorneys or the county.

• Uploads sentencing paperwork and orders to Defender Data, files closed cases, manages storage, and retrieves boxes for attorneys as needed.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• Requires Associate’s degree from an accredited college, preferably in criminal justice or a related field.

• Six (6) years experience in law enforcement, criminal investigation, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Supplemental Information

All applicants tentatively selected for a position with Beaufort County Council will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for the illegal use of drugs and to a background check prior to appointment. Employment is contingent upon clearing both the drug screening and background investigation. We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term & short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. To learn more details, please visit the Beaufort County Human Resources website.