Criminal Defense Investigator
We are recruiting to fill a full-time, entry level Criminal Defense Investigator position in the Grand Junction regional trial office.
Investigators serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Public Defender Investigators perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney, while also receiving direct supervision and training from the Chief Investigator.
Individuals in the position develop their investigative skills through on-the-job training and formal instruction, and apply those skills as a member of defense teams working on misdemeanor, juvenile and felony cases. The primary job duties of an investigator include locating, interviewing and coordinating witnesses; locating and obtaining documents and other information; serving subpoenas; providing insight and recommendations to attorneys on defense strategy; writing reports; preparing exhibits; and, testifying at trial. Investigators may occasionally assist on cases in other offices and perform other duties as assigned.
It’s critical for Investigators to be organized, detail oriented, and able to work independently and take the initiative. They also must utilize strong interpersonal skill to be able to effectively interact with colleagues, clients (who may be incarcerated), clients’ families, and other individuals within the criminal justice community.
Investigators review discovery and records, which may include visual depictions of evidence, examining physical evidence and viewing crime scenes; and, maintain and utilize equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, magnifying tools, measurement devices, and maps.
Investigators utilize standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers, e-mail, and Adobe Acrobat; multimedia technology; and, audio/visual software and equipment.
Positions require travel frequently within, and occasionally outside, the State of Colorado, including occasional overnight travel; and, occasional work outside normal business hours. Investigators are responsible for transporting themselves and their files to court, jails, sites of investigations and other offsite work locations, as required.
In all aspects of the work they perform, Investigators must demonstrate compassion for our client and a commitment to their representation.
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.
We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
