Criminal Defense Investigator

Overview

Job Description - Criminal Defense Investigator2 )

Position Title:

Criminal Defense Investigator2 - )

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials.

Our Mission:
To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Our Vision:
Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:
Our work changes lives! OPD’s work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.

Benefits of working for OPD include health coverage, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, work/life balance, opportunities for professional growth, and more.

• Health coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Opportunities and room for professional growth

About this Opportunity

The Criminal Defense Investigator plays a pivotal role in the defense of clients represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Under general direction of counsel, this position conducts investigations into a broad range of alleged violations of criminal law, dependent neglect matters and other circumstances to assist in the representation of clients. Other primary duties include gathering and examining evidence, conducting interviews, serving subpoenas and testifying in court.

The position reports to the Regional Deputy Defender and does not supervise other staff.

• Conducts investigations for the defense of clients, including specialized training (crime scene/criminal investigations, specialized interview techniques), investigating major crimes and cases requiring coordination across multiple jurisdictions or agencies.
• Coordinates investigations with OPD attorneys and other defense counsel to ensure responsiveness to case needs and to present a unified, effective defense.
• Interviews suspects and witnesses, performs research, gathers and analyzes evidence, and identifies exculpatory evidence.
• Reviews and analyzes reports, interviews, and evidence to determine if evidence was properly obtained and maintained.
• Prepares clear, concise reports explaining the scope and results of the investigation; organizes data and ensures reports are complete, timely and accurate.
• Testifies in courts, hearings, or depositions on behalf of the defense.
• Collaborates with other offices and agencies and the public to obtain or exchange information regarding criminal investigations.
• Obtains and serves subpoenas.
• Provides training, advice and/or leads others regarding criminal investigation requirements and regulations; includes providing training for newly hired investigators.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Conducts background investigations as directed for OPD employment.
• May provide support to other OPD work units and back up co-workers as needed.
• Maintains investigative equipment and vehicles according to rules and policy.
• Maintains and secures evidence held by OPD; updates evidence locker as needed to preserve ongoing cases.
• May assist in initial screening of clients for OPD when required.

Field work in areas such as crime and drug use locations; frequent court and law enforcement visits; exposure to stressful situations; irregular hours; travel up to 20% (and occasional overnight) within Montana as needed.

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of criminal investigations and Montana criminal law and procedures.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for collection of information and evidence.
• Proficient in interviewing techniques and gathering details to secure information.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and jail procedures.
• Ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports.
• Proficiency with…