Investigator Juvenile and Appellate Public Defender 1 at Brazos County

DescriptionGeneral Summary:The Public Defender Office works on behalf of indigent clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Brazos County. The Public Defender Office Investigators primary responsibilities are to assist public defender attorneys and gather evidence for use in criminal trials. The Investigator also participates in planning of programs policies and objectives for the Public Defender Office.Essential Duties: The functions of an investigator in a public defenders office are crucial in supporting the defense team and ensuring effective representation for clients. Some of the most important functions of an investigator in a public defenders office include:Case Investigation: Investigators gather and analyze evidence related to the clients case. They conduct interviews with witnesses gather documents review police reports perform surveillance and collect any other relevant information. Through thorough investigation they aim to uncover facts inconsistencies or alternative narratives that can support the defense strategy.Witness Interviews: Investigators are responsible for conducting interviews with potential witnesses. They seek to obtain statements clarify details and gather any additional information that may assist in building the defense. They may also identify and locate witnesses who can provide crucial testimony in support of the client.Evidence Collection and Preservation: Investigators are tasked with locating collecting and preserving physical evidence relevant to the case. This can involve coordinating with forensic experts photographing crime scenes collecting DNA samples or ensuring proper chain of custody for evidence. By effectively managing evidence investigators contribute to the integrity and strength of the defenses case.Background Research: Investigators delve into the background of the case and the individuals involved. They conduct research on the alleged crime potential witnesses victims and even law enforcement officers involved. They search for any relevant information that may impact the defense strategy including prior convictions inconsistencies in statements or biases that could affect witness credibility.Expert Witness Assistance: In cases that require expert testimony investigators assist in identifying and engaging expert witnesses who can provide specialized knowledge or opinions relevant to the case. They collaborate with experts gather supporting documentation and facilitate communication between the expert and the defense team.Trial Preparation: Investigators play a crucial role in trial preparation. They work closely with public defenders to develop case theories identify potential weaknesses in the prosecutions case and assist in the preparation of witness testimony. They may also help prepare exhibits visual aids or demonstrative evidence to present during trial.Mitigation Investigation: In cases where mitigation is a key defense strategy investigators delve into the clients background to gather information that can humanize them and present a comprehensive picture to the court. This may involve conducting interviews with family members friends and other individuals who can provide insight into the clients history struggles or mitigating factors.Trial Support: During trial proceedings investigators provide valuable support to the defense team. They may assist in locating and coordinating witnesses gathering additional evidence and helping with the presentation of exhibits or visual aids. They may also observe witnesses testimonies and provide real-time feedback or suggestions to the defense team.Collaboration with Defense Team: Investigators work closely with public defenders support staff and other members of the defense team to ensure effective coordination and communication. They provide regular updates on the progress of investigations share findings and collaborate on case strategy. Their insights and investigative expertise contribute to a well-rounded defense approach.Court Testimony: In some cases investigators may be called upon to testify in court. They may present findings explain the investigative process or provide expert opinion on matters within their area of expertise. Their testimony can strengthen the defenses position and help in presenting a compelling case to the judge or jury.Overall the functions of an investigator in a public defenders office are multifaceted and essential. They support the defense team by conducting thorough investigations gathering evidence interviewing witnesses and providing critical insights that contribute to building a strong defense strategy. By fulfilling these functions investigators help ensure that clients receive effective and diligent representation throughout the criminal justice process.Other Duties as assigned.SupervisionReceived: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender.Given: None.EducationRequired: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent.Preferred:Bachelors degree from accredited university in criminal justice or related field or equivalent experience.ExperienceRequired:Three years of substantial criminal investigative experience or related education and training.Preferred:Five years of experience working in criminal investigations related to criminal defense. Specialized experience in homicide investigations sex crimes crimes against persons narcotics and/or property crimes is preferred.Certificates Licenses RegistrationsRequired:Valid drivers license required. Note: This is a non-law-enforcement investigator position. The Public Defenders Office is not a law enforcement agency and CANNOT carry a peace officers license. The PDO Investigator cannot serve as law enforcement on a reserve basis.Preferred:Physical DemandsTypical:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; bend and kneel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds such as books and stacks of records and occasionally must lift and/or move objects weighing 100 pounds or more. The employee may be occasionally called upon to perform acts of intense physical exertion during emergency situations. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision color vision and ability to adjust focus.Knowledge Skills & AbilitiesTypical:Knowledge of investigative and surveillance techniques.Basic knowledge of constitutional law as it applies to law enforcement and civil rights the Texas Rules of Evidence criminal procedure penal code and drug offenses.Knowledge of appropriate interview and interrogation techniques used in criminal investigations.Knowledge of surveillance techniques and equipment.Knowledge of handling safety use and maintenance of firearms.Work EnvironmentTypical:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential duties of this job the employee is constantly required to work under time pressures to meet deadlines to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and to perform tedious and exacting tasks; the employee may be placed in emergency situations in which there is the possibility of danger or physical abuse; the employee is frequently required to work with others a part of a team. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may be noisy or distracting. Key Skills Epidemiology,Public Health,Bank Secrecy Act,Bioinformatics,Fraud,Genetics,Interviewing,Law Enforcement,Qualitative Research Interviewing,Research Experience,Next Generation Sequencing,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1