Job Description

Defender Investigator

Are you inquisitive? Do you enjoy conducting investigations, reviewing, and assembling evidence, and collaborating with staff to develop defense theories and strategies for the effective representation of clients? Then the Defender Investigator could be perfect for you!

With over 400 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer:

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits including access to our upcoming on-site center, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts
• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

We Require:

• Three years of investigative experience
• High school diploma
• Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value:

• Criminal defense, law enforcement, or military investigative experience
• Experience working in a detective capacity
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Job Contributions:

• Work closely with attorneys to assist in the development of defense strategies and case theories
• Review and evaluate physical and documentary evidence and recommend securing additional background information and detailed evidence that may be needed for the case
• Conduct field investigations including, but not limited to, taking photographs, videotaping, obtaining witness statements, preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams, obtaining family histories, alibis, and various in-state/out-of-state public, private, and government records
• Update attorneys on the progress of investigations and provide recommendations for further investigative efforts
• Locate and interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases, which may require in-state and/or out-of-state travel
• Prepare oral and written investigative reports and maintain case activity logs
• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, clients, criminal authorities, investigators from other law enforcement agencies, and other interested parties
• Testify in court and conduct jail visits

Working Conditions:

• Ability to travel to and from job-related locations during a scheduled workday, subject to County policies regarding the use of County vehicles and/or private vehicles used on County business
• Ability to lift 20 pounds from the floor to waist, 25 pounds waist to shoulder, 10 pounds shoulder to overhead, carry 25 pounds a distance of 1000 feet, or push/pull 50 pounds a distance of 1000 feet
• Interact with persons of varying degrees of mental stability and occasionally may be exposed to hostile situations
• May be exposed to biohazard material and/or contagious diseases
• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Selection Procedure:

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered
• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!

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