Attorney - Misdemeanor I
NEW PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE IS HIRING! The creation of Nueces County’s very first Public Defender’s Office is the result of a commitment to quality indigent defense and mental health by TIDC and Nueces County. We are looking for a passionate, compassionate team to defend indigent people charged with crimes in Corpus Christi, Texas -- also known as "the Sparkling City by the Sea". Our area is known for its tropical climate, beautiful coastline, abundance of outdoor activities, and affordable cost of living. The coastal bend is family-friendly and has opportunities for sports, entertainment, and the arts, in addition to higher education. Explore the options at www.visitcorpuschristi.com.
The office anticipates representing approximately one-fourth of the indigent individuals facing criminal cases alongside the existing close-knit private defense bar that represents indigent people through the court-appointment system. The staff will include full-time social worker/case managers to assist clients with mental health challenges. We are looking for attorneys, social workers, an investigator, and support staff eager to be a part of creating this office to protect Constitutional rights, pursue justice, and amplify the voices of the poor and disenfranchised who encounter the criminal legal system. Come help us build a meaningful, mission-minded team! Positions are listed on the Human Resources page at www.nuecesco.com.
The Nueces County Public Defender’s Office Assistant Public Defender – Misdemeanor Attorney I will represent indigent individuals facing misdemeanor charges. The Assistant Public Defender will provide a full range of legal services to indigent clients. Although the primary responsibility is misdemeanor cases, the Assistant Public Defender may also work on felony, juvenile, and appeal cases.
Essential duties:
Perform case evaluation, preparation, and management.
Research case law and legal issues. Draft necessary motions, responses, and briefs, and argue them in court.
Conduct background investigation; interview witnesses, victims, and law enforcement officers where appropriate.
Represent clients in court for pretrial, evidentiary hearings and jury/bench trials.
Communicate case evaluation and status to client effectively and in timely manner.
Communicate effectively with judges, court staff, prosecutors, family members, witnesses, and other interested parties.
Participate in training and continuing education to remain informed of new court decisions, laws, and rules and regulations.
Prioritize and organize work to meet filing deadlines and court appearances.
Collaborate with public defender team and relevant service providers.
Supervise and delegate responsibilities to legal secretaries and investigators.
Maintain legal files and records; document case evaluation and activity.
Performs such other duties as may be assigned.
