Overview
Position Title:Public Defense Attorney I
Company:City Of Benton Wa
Location:Kennewick, WA
Job Description:
Performs a variety of complex and technical senior level clerical and office tasks, requiring comprehensive knowledge of departmental and/or County-wide functions and procedures to perform work and to provide detailed, technical servicing to the public. Incumbents may lead lower graded employees or volunteer staff members.
Responsibilities:
- eview and evaluate new criminal cases as assigned. This includes reviewing police reports and other reports to evaluate case strengths, weaknesses, and legality.
- Meet with and/or interview defendants to determine facts of the case and to advise defendants on risks or benefits associated with available courses of action in defending cases.
- Keep clients reasonably informed of the status of their case and promptly respond to requests for information.
- Explain essential concepts, facts, and legal issues to clients to such a degree as to allow them to make informed decisions about their cases.
- Represent assigned clients at all stages of criminal proceedings including, but not limited to, arraignments, pre-trial motions, post-trial matters, restitution hearings, sentence reviews, and furlough requests.
- Prepare, draft, and argue appropriate motions necessary to the defending of assigned criminal cases.
- Investigate assigned cases as necessary, enlisting the assistance of investigators and/or experts if necessary.
- Manage the plea bargaining process to the best benefit of clients.
- Provide representation at sentencing proceedings, post-trial motions, and revocation proceedings as needed.
Responsibilities:
- This position requires a current Washington State Bar membership in good standings.
- Candidates who are sitting for the next Bar Examination (and have the necessary skills, experience and aptitude) may be considered for an offer contingent upon bar passage.
- Position also requires a valid Washington State driver’s license and passage of Benton County background investigation.
- Notary Public helpful.