About the Department

The Public Defense Attorney represents appointed clients in all phases of criminal and juvenile proceedings and is responsible for the investigation and preparation of each case assigned. Must maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with administrative and other County personnel, public agencies, and the general public, and work under the guidance of Local/State/Federal regulations and County policies/procedures.

Position Duties

Defend indigent individuals charged with a crime or other conduct that could result in loss of liberty.
Interview clients as assigned to determine the facts of the case. Review police and other reports to evaluate each case and determine its relative strengths and weaknesses, to prepare plea negotiations, develop a case strategy, and prepare for trial.
Coordinate or conduct case investigation for trial preparation as necessary. Arrange for tests of physical evidence, testimony of expert witnesses, and interview witnesses as required.
Research, prepare, and argue pre-trial motions.
Initiate or respond to plea bargaining negotiations on behalf of the client and represent the client’s interests in the negotiations.
Conduct trial actions including motions in Limine, selection of jury, cross and direct examination, introduction of evidence and exhibits. Make arguments on the law and interpretation of the evidence.
Represent clients at all legal proceedings including, but not limited to arraignments, pre-trial motions, plea hearings, trials, sentencing, and post-trial matters such as restitution hearings and sentence reviews, and present defense recommendations for disposition of cases.
Meet with clients to evaluate options and strategies. Keep clients informed about the status of their case. Explain to clients all matters necessary for them to make informed decisions about their cases. Address issues, questions, and concerns from clients.
May perform on-call duties depending on court assignment, as well as on a rotating basis, 24-hour telephonic consultation for individuals under arrest or investigation for DUI.
Complete a minimum of seven hours of continuing legal education within each calendar year in courses related to their public defense practice.
Assist in the creation or updates of procedures, tasks, workflows, and systems as assigned.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers and other agencies in a professional manner.
Represent the Kittitas County Office of Public Defense at relevant local and state committees, meetings, and community groups as assigned.
Complete special projects and reports as required.

This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position. Additional department-related duties may be assigned as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school OR successful completion of the Rule 9 program, followed by admission to the Washington State Bar. If admitted in another state, transfer must be completed within three (3) months of accepting position.
Valid WSBA number/license.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified candidates. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as relativity to the position, age and time of the offense, seriousness and nature of the violation, and rehabilitation will be taken into account.

Public Defense Attorney I

0 – 5 years of experience as a licensed attorney.
Must meet all qualification requirements under Standard 14.1 of the Washington Supreme Court’s Standards for Indigent Defense.

Other Qualifications

Work is primarily performed in an office or courtroom setting. Work time may also be spent in a jail or hospital facility. Sustained posture in a seated position, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, reaching, climbing (stairs or other), twisting, crawling, and prolonged periods of computer operation; and strength to lift up to 25 pounds or more with assistance. Exposure to persons whose emotions may range from crying to nearly incapacitated to hostile will occur. Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, read printed materials, a computer screen, and assess situations in varying environments and degrees of light; and hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person or over the telephone.

Work is typically performed during regular office hours; however, exempt positions are expected to work the number of hours necessary to complete the duties of the position. Periodic travel is required for meetings and/or training opportunities. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle in varied weather conditions and all levels of daylight.

Reliable attendance and punctuality are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.