PUBLIC DEFENDER INVESTIGATOR III

As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

About the Role

The Public Defender Investigator III is the advanced level of work conducting investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct for the defense of persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Investigations are conducted to develop, gather, or verify information for the defense of arrested and/or accused persons. The role involves frequent and daily contacts with witnesses, family members, associates of the client, medical, social service, and law enforcement personnel to obtain and verify information for the client’s case. Appearance in court as a witness may also be required.

The Public Defender Investigator III interviews clients to obtain their version of the alleged offense, develop leads, and gather information and evidence for the defense’s case. Written reports will be created as a result of the investigations. Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations involving significant client contact with indigent defendants, their family members, and witnesses at various locations, including crime scenes, detention centers, prisons, private residences, and places of employment.
• Interview clients at various settings to obtain background information (medical, mental health, drug/alcohol, and criminal history) and financial information to determine eligibility for services in accordance with OPD intake guidelines.
• Fill out client information forms and gather information relevant to a case.
• Direct client messages, concerns, and phone calls to the attorney or appropriate staff member.
• Obtain trial dates, statements of charges, docket entries, income verification documents, witness information, and client statements for inclusion in the case file and case management system.
• Assemble and prepare case files with the defendant's background information, charging documents, witness information, client statements, and other relevant case information for use by attorneys.
• Create a matter ID and upload all pertinent information into the case management system.
• Use technology to aid in investigations, including reviewing, organizing, and preparing body-worn camera footage and video surveillance.
• Serve and file subpoenas.
• Assist clients with the OPD application processes.
• Provide office coverage, assist the front desk with client walk-ins and phone calls, and enter data in the agency's case management system.
• Conduct intake interviews daily at the office, jail, prison, detention center, hospital, and court settings.
• Extract and organize data for use in case preparation and trial.
• Travel to locate and interview clients and witnesses throughout the state.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• One year of experience investigating alleged criminal offenses for the purpose of developing and documenting factual information to be used in criminal trials or one year of experience interviewing patients for the purpose of obtaining and documenting factual information concerning medical history or any combination of these types of experience equaling one year.
• Ability to operate a computer, cell phone, and other office equipment.
• Access to a motor vehicle or ability to navigate public transportation.
• Possession of a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland (if assigned duties requiring operation of a motor vehicle).
• Ability to communicate with employees and vendors and complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to multi-task and travel to various courthouses and office environments throughout the state.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and/or experience with criminal court procedures.
• Experience working in the criminal justice or court system, with detained persons, attorneys, and/or medical professionals.
• Strong interest in working with indigent defendants and their families.
• High proficiency with technology, including compiling and synthesizing large volumes of data.
• Experience testifying in court.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute additional experience developing and documenting factual information for use in legal proceedings or experience interviewing persons for the purpose of determining eligibility for legal assistance programs on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours, including 12 credit hours in mental health or medical disciplines or 12 credit hours in criminology or law enforcement from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Criminal Investigation classifications or Criminal Investigation specialty codes in the Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required general experience.

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits available.