Investigator.

About the Colorado State Public Defender

The Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) is an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government. With nearly 1,000 dedicated employees across twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office, OSPD is recognized as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in indigent criminal defense. Our mission is to defend and protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired, and compassionate.

We seek professionals dedicated to furthering this mission, demonstrating compassion in service to clients. The environment is fast-paced and team-oriented, requiring self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance.

About the Role

This position is the first level within the series, where employees learn and apply policies, procedures, rules, and regulations specific to the organization, as well as relevant techniques, methods, and theories of the profession. Work is performed under direct supervision, including regular guidance, review, and oversight by supervisors and more experienced staff, while developing fundamental skills and technical aspects of the work. Employees are expected to develop competencies necessary to advance to the Investigator II level and should not remain in this class indefinitely.

Responsibilities

• Learn procedures and develop skills in organizing and preparing case files to effectively manage assigned investigations, including copying information from attorney files (e.g., client details, case numbers, court dates, charges, discovery, bond information, and attorney notes).
• Track pertinent case information by breaking down or indexing files to manage caseloads and quickly access or reference case details.
• Learn procedures and develop skills in preparing for investigations and witness/victim interviews by reviewing and organizing discovery and meeting with attorneys and clients to gather relevant information.
• Serve as a collaborative member of the defense team by:
  • Consulting with attorneys on the theory of defense, including applicable case law and potential ethical issues, to establish investigation and interview strategies.
  • Maintaining regular and timely communication with attorneys regarding case status, court dates, witness information, and investigation progress.
  • Seeking clarification on investigation requests to prioritize and complete tasks within appropriate timelines.
• Develop skills and practice habits to maintain thorough documentation of all work performed.
• Maintain a clear understanding of ethical issues in work performed and consult with attorneys and managers as required.
• Develop skills in investigative techniques and methods for conducting fieldwork, including:
  • Collecting client records and serving subpoenas.
  • Examining crime scenes and viewing physical evidence.
  • Conducting interviews and preparing reports of interviews and fieldwork.
  • Documenting and verifying elements of the crime scene and evidence viewed.
• Apply established policies and procedures, such as obtaining signed releases from clients, obtaining records at minimal cost, and documenting records received.
• Maintain and utilize tools and equipment for investigations, including audio recording devices, cameras, standard computer and office equipment, measurement tools, and maps.
• Provide trial and hearing support by:
  • Assisting in preparing exhibits for trial or sentencing.
  • Ensuring appropriate clothing is available for the client.
  • Coordinating witness appearances, including updates on trial status, court dates, and travel arrangements.
• Develop a working knowledge of courtroom procedures.
• Assist in sentencing preparation by researching treatment placement options and coordinating with probation services as needed.
• Learn mandated cost procedures and State Office policies to accurately process and submit applicable forms and paperwork.
• Develop and apply skills necessary for testifying accurately and truthfully on behalf of the defense.
• Perform post-trial tasks, such as following up with witnesses after testifying, canvassing the jury for impressions, and returning client clothing to family members as requested by attorneys.
• Organize daily activities to effectively manage time and resources, including work performed outside normal business hours.
• Frequent travel within and occasionally outside the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel.
• Assist other regional offices in conducting investigations as assigned.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Basic Vision Insurance (included with medical plans)
• Dental Insurance
• State Paid Life Insurance
• State Paid Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
• Flexible Schedules
• 11 paid holidays
• Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
• Colorado PERA Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits, visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA, visit www.copera.org.

Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at http://www.coloradodefenders.us/.