Deputy Public Defender - IV

Overview

DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER I - IV
County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office!

This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Prepares the defense for court-referred cases in a variety of felony and misdemeanor cases.
• Confers with clients, advising them of charges and legal rights; reviews police reports and explains legal procedures; arranges for the release of in-custody clients if possible; explores potential admission to state mental health facilities.
• Conducts pretrial case preparation, legal research and necessary investigation; coordinates investigative activities with Public Defender Investigator staff.
• Represents clients at arraignments, pretrials, jury trials, and other hearings as appropriate.
• Prepares suppression motions, motions to dismiss, motions to withdraw a plea, appellate briefs, and motions related to deportation considerations.
• Investigates and prepares responses to prosecution claims; negotiates with prosecution attorneys for case disposition or modification.
• Performs trial work including jury selection, examination and cross-examination and argument of the defense case.
• Prepares a variety of legal documentation, including reports, correspondence and opinions related to client cases; maintains accurate records and files.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions; evaluates their impact on public defense activities and recommends action.
• Directs the work of professional and support staff as assigned (as applicable to level).

This position is located in Eureka, California.

A typical work schedule for this position is Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Notes
:
This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close recruitment at any time. The bulletin was updated on 05/28/2025 to include the I - IV levels for consideration.

Definition
:
Under general supervision, performs legal work of routine to complex nature; provides public defense and legal services for court-referred cases; performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
:
This is a multi-level class; incumbents may be assigned to any of four levels depending on experience and case complexity. The work may involve felonies and misdemeanors and includes providing legal defense for indigent clients. As levels progress, involvement in formal litigation, discretionary powers, and direction of other staff increases. Deputy Public Defender IV is the highest non-supervisory level, capable of working independently on complex cases and guiding less experienced staff.

Deputy Public Defender IV can direct/assist with defense through pretrial to appeal. This class is distinct from Assistant Public Defender, which is supervisory with broader responsibility and may act as Public Defender on a relief basis.

Knowledge
:
Principles and practice of criminal law, especially defense of court-referred clients; legal research and investigation; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; state and federal laws affecting public defense from pretrial through appeal.

Skills
:
Defining issues; conducting legal research; presenting facts and argument clearly; exercising independent judgment within policy and legal parameters; interpreting laws; representing clients effectively in hearings; preparing clear written materials; establishing professional relationships.

Other Requirements
:
Must possess a valid California driver's license and be a current member of the California State Bar Association.

Desirable Education & Experience
:

• Deputy Public Defender I:
  Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university, plus a law degree.
• Deputy Public Defender II:
  One year of experience as an attorney in California, preferably criminal defense.
• Deputy Public Defender III:
  Three years total California legal experience, preferably in criminal law.
• Deputy Public Defender IV:
  Five years total California legal experience, preferably in criminal defense;…