· Represent clients accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses in the Panhandle area.
· May have appellate or juvenile cases as assigned by the PAPDO Chief.
· Assure zealous representation for indigent clients.
· Meet with indigent clients for initial interviews, to explain the law, give legal advice, explain legal options, and discuss plea offers or trial strategies.
· Review discovery and evidence, including police reports, witness statements and interrogations, dashcam and surveillance video, cellphone records, forensic reports and other discovery and evidence.
· Research, analyze and interpret issues of law. Prepare memoranda, motions, and other pleadings. Review drafts of pleadings, motions, and memoranda prepared by legal staff.
· Appear in court for trial, pleas, and other hearings.
· Work with other APDs in the formulation of legal strategies and options for clients.
· Communicate with clients, witnesses, prosecutors, and law enforcement as required, including regular trips to the participating county jails. Includes magistration appearance with recently arrested clients when possible.
· Assist fellow public defenders in researching legal issues and in preparing memoranda, pleadings and motions.
· Prepare cases for jury trials, bench trials, open pleas, and contested motion hearings.
· Work with the social services and mental health coordinator to get clients into appropriate social and behavioral health services. Work for alternative dispositions such as specialty courts, mental health treatment, pre-trial diversion, and other options.
· Negotiate with prosecutors on behalf of clients.
· Maintain good standing with the State Bar of Texas along with all required CLE.
· The duties listed above are examples of types of work that may be performed. Nothing in this job description restricts the PAPDO Chief’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time as the need arises.