The Fresno County Public Defender's Office invites applications for the position of Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV, including opportunities focusing on the intersection of criminal and immigration issues as an Immigration Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV.
Samples of Duties
Defense Attorney I:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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.
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.
Salary Ranges:
- Defense Attorney I:: 78,260 - 99,892 Annually
- Defense Attorney II: 91,338 - 116,584 Annually
- Defense Attorney III: 109,590 - 139,854 Annually
- Defense Attorney IV: 128,258 - 163,722 Annually
Posted: June 1, 2026