Assistant Public Defender

Under general direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Assistant Public Defender (APD) is responsible for representing defendants during the initial bail hearing conducted under Article 15.17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The APD is an attorney licensed in the State of Texas, who has graduated from an accredited law school. APDs provide zealous advocacy to persons accused of crimes in Bexar County, Texas, with the aim of securing clients' release on a personal bond or affordable cash bond.

This position prefers experience representing clients who have a mental illness or intellectual disability. Duties include interviews with special needs clients suffering from a wide range of mental illness or other disorders, including drug abuse. Perform related duties as required.
Position is excluded from Civil Service.

• Interviews defendants, obtains information relevant to bond amounts and conditions, researches charges and criminal history.
• Consults with jail personnel, mental health experts, treatment providers, and pre-trial services and their staffs on issues related to setting bond amount and conditions.
• Confers with prosecuting attorneys on bond amounts and conditions.
• Advises clients on the Article 15.17 hearing, the charges against them, their rights, and opportunities for treatment.
• Provides representation of defendants at magistration, which operates on a 24 hours a day/7 days a week basis.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
• Knowledge of criminal defense procedures and techniques; knowledge of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17 initial magistration and Chapter 17 Bail.
• Good written and oral communication skills required.
• Effective organizational and time management skills required to successfully execute job duties; must possess the skill to manage a demanding caseload of assigned cases.
• Ability to work with mentally ill indigent defendants; ability to communicate effectively with recently arrested individuals; ability to organize and present facts and legal arguments, with supporting logic in a courtroom setting; ability to operate a computer and utilize case management software; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, county employees, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and maintain good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Must comply with all conditions imposed at the Judicial Intake and Assessment Center.
• Must secure and maintain a pre-employment physical.
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation.
• May be required to work shifts and hours outside the normal 8-5 business day.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek.

• Position will be housed at the Judicial Intake and Assessment Center in the South Tower of the Bexar County Jail located in Bexar County, Texas. The facility is a secure detention facility. Compliance with detention facility’s rules and regulations is required.
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 10-15 pounds.
• Occasionally moves about the office.
• Frequently communicates with others; must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Positions self to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position.

Workstations with internet access are available, if needed, to view job postings and apply online at 211 S Flores, San Antonio, TX 78204, 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. Phone: .

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to Workplace Diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.