Capital Case Investigator

• Knowledge of:  elements of criminal law, local court system and capital trial and sentencing work; evidence collection; fact and mitigation investigation; identification techniques and procedures; information resources and the ability to extract information from those resources; planning an organized approach to the investigation of complex cases; and independently developing leads.
• Skills in:  computer and word processing to type reports, motions, orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents; spelling and grammar; and communicating orally and in writing.
• Ability to:  collecting records from governmental and other agencies; interviewing witnesses; developing defense themes of innocence and mitigation; schedule work to achieve results on time; prepare clients, their families, and witnesses for court; digest background records; work irregular hours in conducting investigations; inspire the confidence of the community in the capital defender's office; travel to pursue investigation leads and attend trials; and make pertinent observations and to analyze those observations against the charges in a given case.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably in the field of law; criminal justice, psychology, social work, or sociology, with one year of experience in legal, judiciary, law enforcement, fact or mitigation investigative work.  An Associate degree with three (3) years of experience in the above-listed fields may substitute for the four-year degree requirement.  Other combinations of education and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered. Applicants with experience in capital defense work strongly preferred.  An investigator license (NC Justice Academy Criminal Investigative Certificate or private protective services license) or mitigation roster membership helpful but not required. A valid North Carolina Driver's License is required.