Deputy Public Defender III

Review Date: 1/30/2026

A Deputy Public Defender III practices in Superior Court, Juvenile Court, or District Court, and plans, organizes, and coordinates the representation and defense of indigent clients in criminal cases for the County. Prepares and tries felony cases and defends or assists in the defense of complex or highly visible cases.

The Defense Attorney III is distinguished from the lower level Deputy Public Defender classifications by years of experience and the ability to handle a full felony caseload. Assists other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis. Regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment in decision-making.

• Manages a full felony caseload (A, B, C felonies).
• Prepares cases for trial, pre-trial, and post-trial hearings and/or plea bargains with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
• Assigned homicide cases, persistent offender (e.g. two and three strike) cases, and other serious cases.
• Assists other attorneys in matters of trial strategy, tactics, and legal research and analysis.
• Handles miscellaneous court hearings, including, but not limited to: preliminary appearance calendars, arraignment calendars, non-compliance calendars, ability to substitute in Drug Court hearings, Juvenile Court, and District Court when necessary.
• Maintains membership in good standing in the Washington State Bar Association and complies with all relevant standards for representing indigent defendants in accordance with the Washington State Supreme Court and Mason County.
• Reviews police reports, interviews witnesses, and works with the court and deputy prosecutors to resolve cases as appropriate.
• Performs a variety of legal office work, prepares appropriate legal pleadings, and does necessary research.
• Maintains accurate and complete statistical information to be used for future needs and projections.
• Appropriately utilizes non-attorney professional services.
• Assists other Deputy Public Defenders in matters of tactics, trial strategy, and legal research.
• Provides back-up public defense for District and Juvenile Courts and is knowledgeable of District and Juvenile Court rules and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Chief Public Defender.

• Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Knowledge of criminal law and judicial procedure of Washington State, techniques of interviewing, and preparation and defense of all variety of criminal cases, with emphasis on felonies.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Present law, facts, evidence, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Work harmoniously and maintain good relations.
• Certification under the Washington State Indigent Defense Standards to handle “B” and “C” felonies and a willingness to train to handle class “A” felonies as quickly as possible. Preference shall be given to attorneys already able to handle class “A” felonies.