The Fresno County Public Defender's Office is offering rewarding and challenging career opportunities to experienced legal professionals as a Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV. The Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of all persons in the community who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty interest due to a criminal accusation or other statutorily defined state action. It is the goal of the Public Defender's Office to protect every client's constitutional rights, to defend against discriminatory treatment and disproportionate punishment, and to ensure that no one who is innocent is ever wrongfully convicted. The Public Defender's Office provides all mandated legal services in an efficient and cost-effective manner while holding themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Defense Attorney positions are in Medical Group I – Light Physical Activity (Personnel Rule 8). This group includes positions which require only light physical effort and may include lifting of small, light objects and some bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching. Considerable walking or standing may be involved.
Eligible candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Samples of Duties
Defense Attorney I:
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- Receives orientation to the operations, processes and procedures of the Public Defender's Office.
- Performs legal research and investigation in the preparation of cases for court.
- Prepares briefs.
- May present a full range of misdemeanor cases in court upon assignment.
- Performs other work as required.
Defense Attorney II:
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- Acts as defense counsel in criminal cases of average difficulty.
- Interviews and advises defendants and witnesses.
- Studies, interprets and applies laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings and other legal proceedings.
Defense Attorney III:
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- Acts as defense counsel in major criminal cases.
- Interviews and advises clients and witnesses.
- Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
- May occasionally assign, review, and coordinate the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.
Defense Attorney IV:
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- Acts as defense counsel in complex and sensitive criminal cases.
- Interviews and advises clients and witnesses.
- Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in the preparation of cases and briefs.
- Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with suits, trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
- Assigns, reviews, and coordinates the professional legal work of lower level attorneys.
- Does advanced legal research under only policy guidance.
Defense Attorney Annual Salaries
- Defense Attorney I: $75,218 - $91,468 Annually
- Defense Attorney II: $87,802 - $106,704 Annually
- Defense Attorney III: $105,326 - $128,050 Annually
- Defense Attorney IV: $123,292 - $149,838 Annually
Posted: April 18, 2024