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Deputy Public Defender I (#312030)
$45.73-$55.59 Hourly / $7,926.70-$9,634.95 Monthly / $95,120.42-$115,619.41 Yearly


Deputy Public Defender II (#313030)
$61.89-$75.23 Hourly / $10,728.33-$13,040.43 Monthly / $128,739.97-$156,485.19 Yearly


Deputy Public Defender III (#313090)
$71.18-$86.52 Hourly / $12,337.65-$14,996.56 Monthly / $148,051.82-$179,958.70 Yearly


Deputy Public Defender IV (#313100)
$81.87-$99.52 Hourly / $14,191.11-$17,249.38 Monthly / $170,293.36-$206,992.53 Yearly




CLASS SUMMARY

Deputy Public Defender I

Under general supervision, provides and/or assists in providing legal defense for clients needing publicly assisted representation in criminal matters; performs related duties as required.

Deputy Public Defender II - IV

Under general direction, provides legal defense for clients needing publicly assisted representation in criminal and/or civil matters; performs related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Deputy Public Defender I

This class provides entry into the Deputy Public Defender series.  Incumbents learn court procedures, office policy and the application of laws and legal procedures in providing criminal/civil defense for clients; and are assigned to routine cases while gaining criminal defense and trial experience.  Incumbents may assist a more experienced attorney or be assigned a full and separate caseload.  This class is distinguished from Deputy Public Defender II in that the latter is more experienced.

Deputy Public Defender II

This class is distinguished from Deputy Public Defender I by the greater difficulty of cases assigned and the lesser degree of supervision received.  This class is distinguished from the Deputy Public Defender III class in that the latter works under general direction on more complex criminal and civil cases.

Deputy Public Defender III

This classification is an experienced professional level Attorney in the Deputy Public Defender series providing criminal representation for clients.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Deputy Public Defender IV in that the latter is responsible for conduct of the more complex and specialized legal activity.

Deputy Public Defender IV

This classification is an experienced professional level Attorney in the Deputy Public Defender series providing criminal representation for clients.  This class is distinguished from the Deputy Public Defender V in that the latter is responsible for leading and directing attorneys within a division.

Essential Duties

Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Deputy Public Defender I

Prepares and presents legal defense in misdemeanor, juvenile or civil cases; assists experienced attorneys in preparing felony trial cases; learns departmental and court policies and procedures by working with experienced staff. Interviews clients and witnesses to solicit information needed to determine the facts and circumstances of individual cases; determines strategies to be used in providing legal defense for clients. Interviews employees of various agencies or departments to obtain facts, evidence, circumstances leading to arrest, reasons for the decision to prosecute, or other information which may affect a client's defense. Reviews and analyzes clients' case file documents; writes motions, pleadings, correspondence, appeals and reports; researches and maintains currency with case law. Answers clients' inquiries made by telephone and in person; provides information to clients regarding legal rights, procedures and alternatives; deals with clients of various backgrounds and temperaments; may refer clients to other agencies which offer support services and assistance as necessary. Prepares cases for presentation in court; coaches clients and witnesses in proper courtroom demeanor and procedures; appears in court to represent clients. May request investigators to obtain information needed for clients' defense; may provide work direction to paralegal and/or clerical staff.

Deputy Public Defender II

Interviews clients and witnesses to solicit information needed to determine the facts and circumstances of individual cases; participates in investigation process; determines strategies to be used in providing legal defense for clients. Interviews employees of various agencies or departments to obtain facts, evidence, circumstances leading to arrest, reasons for the decision to prosecute, or other information which may affect a client's defense; discusses issues with prosecuting attorneys. Reviews and analyzes clients' case file documents; writes motions, pleadings, appeals, correspondence and reports; researches and maintains currency with case law; investigates sentencing alternatives. Answers clients' inquires made by telephone and in person; provides information to clients regarding legal rights, procedures and alternatives; deals with clients of various backgrounds and temperaments; may refer clients to other agencies. Manages caseload; prepares cases for presentation in court; advises clients and witnesses in proper courtroom demeanor and procedures; schedules motions, court appearances, trials and research; appears in court to provide representation to clients. May request investigators to obtain needed facts for clients' defense; may provide direction to less experienced attorneys, paralegal and other support staff.

Deputy Public Defender III

Interviews clients and witnesses to solicit information needed to determine the facts and circumstances of individual cases; participates in investigation process; determines strategies to be used in providing legal defense for clients. Interviews employees of various agencies or departments to obtain facts, evidence, circumstances leading to arrest, reasons for the decision to prosecute, or other information which may affect a client's defense; discusses issues with prosecuting attorneys. Reviews and analyzes clients' case file documents; writes motions, pleadings, appeals, correspondence and reports; researches and maintains currency with case law; investigates sentencing alternatives. Answers clients' inquires made by telephone and in person; provides information to clients regarding legal rights, procedures and alternatives; deals with clients of various backgrounds and temperaments; may refer clients to other agencies. Manages caseload; prepares cases for presentation in court; advises clients and witnesses in proper courtroom demeanor and procedures; schedules motions, court appearances, trials and research; appears in court to provide representation to clients. May request investigators to obtain needed facts for clients' defense; may provide direction to less experienced attorneys, paralegal and other support staff.

Deputy Public Defender IV

Interviews clients and witnesses to solicit information needed to determine the facts and circumstances of individual cases; participates in investigation process; determines strategies to be used in providing legal defense for clients. Interviews employees of various agencies or departments to obtain facts, evidence, circumstances leading to arrest, reasons for the decision to prosecute, or other information which may affect a client's defense; discusses issues with prosecuting attorneys. Reviews and analyzes clients' case file documents; writes motions, pleadings, appeals, correspondence and reports; researches and maintains currency with case law; investigates sentencing alternatives. Answers clients' inquires made by telephone and in person; provides information to clients regarding legal rights, procedures and alternatives; deals with clients of various backgrounds and temperaments; may refer clients to other agencies. Manages caseload; prepares cases for presentation in court; advises clients and witnesses in proper courtroom demeanor and procedures; schedules motions, court appearances, trials and research; appears in court to provide representation to clients. May request investigators to obtain needed facts for clients' defense; may provide direction to less experienced attorneys, paralegal and other support staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Deputy Public Defender I

Considerable knowledge of criminal law, legal principles, research methods, rules of evidence and trial/hearing procedures. Working knowledge of effective techniques for dealing with difficult, confused or hostile clients or witnesses; effective interviewing techniques.

Ability to learn and apply the policies and procedures used to assure an adequate defense is provided; interview people and solicit needed information to determine facts/circumstances; develop effective defense strategies; develop and maintain an effective attorney-client relationship with people of diverse backgrounds and temperaments; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, witnesses, judges, law enforcement officials, other attorneys, and employees of various agencies and departments; analyze cases and apply legal principles; present statements of law clearly and logically in both written and verbal form; present an effective defense in court; demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.

Deputy Public Defender II

Thorough knowledge of criminal law, rules of evidence, trial procedures, legal principles and research methods; effective techniques in dealing with difficult, confused or hostile clients; interviewing techniques; techniques, methods and policies used for providing clients with legal defense representation.

Ability to interview people and solicit needed information to determine facts/circumstances; develop effective defense strategies; analyze cases and apply legal principles; present statements of law clearly and logically in written or verbal form; present an effective defense in court; manage assigned caseload; learn and apply knowledge of sciences pertinent to caseload (e.g., fingerprints, blood chemistry); develop and maintain an effective attorney/client relationship with people of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; investigate sentencing alternatives; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, witnesses, judges, attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments; demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.

Deputy Public Defender III

Thorough knowledge of criminal law, rules of evidence, trial procedures, legal principles and research methods; effective techniques in dealing with difficult, confused or hostile clients; interviewing techniques; techniques, methods and policies used for providing clients with legal defense representation.

Ability to interview people and solicit needed information to determine facts/circumstances; develop effective defense strategies; analyze cases and apply legal principles; present statements of law clearly and logically in written or verbal form; present an effective defense in court; manage assigned caseload; learn and apply knowledge of sciences pertinent to caseload (e.g., fingerprints, blood chemistry); develop and maintain an effective attorney/client relationship with people of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; investigate sentencing alternatives; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, witnesses, judges, attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments; demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.

Deputy Public Defender IV

Thorough knowledge of criminal law, rules of evidence, trial procedures, legal principles and research methods; effective techniques in dealing with difficult, confused or hostile clients; interviewing techniques; techniques, methods and policies used for providing clients with legal defense representation.

Ability to interview people and solicit needed information to determine facts/circumstances; develop effective defense strategies; analyze cases and apply legal principles; present statements of law clearly and logically in written or verbal form; present an effective defense in court; manage assigned caseload; learn and apply knowledge of sciences pertinent to caseload (e.g., fingerprints, blood chemistry); develop and maintain an effective attorney/client relationship with people of various socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments; investigate sentencing alternatives; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, witnesses, judges, attorneys and employees of various agencies and departments; demonstrate patience, tact, courtesy and compassion.

Education and Experience

Deputy Public Defender I: No experience required; however, applicants must demonstrate possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.

Deputy Public Defender II: A minimum of six months of criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender I or its equivalent which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Three years of experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for the six months criminal law experience.

Deputy Public Defender III: A minimum of one year criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender II or its equivalent (a total of one and one-half years of criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender) which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Four years of experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for the two years criminal law experience.

Deputy Public Defender IV: A minimum of one year of criminal defense and trial experience as a Deputy Public Defender III or its equivalent (a total of two and one-half years of criminal defense as a Deputy Public Defender) which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities.  Five years experience in the general practice of law may be substituted for three years criminal law experience.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQ

Active membership in the California State Bar Association is required.

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license may be required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Deputy Public Defender I: Incumbents of this class should demonstrate necessary knowledge and abilities to be promoted to Deputy Public Defender II within twenty-four (24) months of appointment to this class.

Deputy Public Defender I, II, III, and IV: Independent travel may be required.


CLASS: 312030;
CLASS: 313030;
CLASS: 313090;
CLASS: 313100;