Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, Deputy Public Defender and Misdemeanor Lead Assistant Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender’s Office charged with misdemeanors only.
- Meets with clients when arrested and obtains their history to make bond arguments to the court.
- Establishes close contact with client by regular visits to the correctional facility or by constant correspondence via personal visits to HPRPDO, phone contact or by letters to clients not in custody.
- Meets with the client to discuss the appropriate action to be taken and whether pretrial motions should be filed.
- Research case law, constitutional provisions and statutes.
- Investigates alleged crime or offense by meeting with witnesses, police officers and reviewing the facts.
- Communicates with client to determine trial strategy such as cross-examination procedures, witness selection, jury selection and testimony.
- May be assigned to handle cases seeking appellate relief or on felony caseload, as needed.
- Strategizes with HPRPDO team.
- Performs as trial counsel by representing clients during courtroom proceedings.
- Help HPRPDO Intake Team operate professionally, accurately and efficiently.
- Ensure that office duties and special projects, if any, are timely completed.
- Assist in maintaining accurate, confidential records documenting services and representation provided.
- Obtain and review discovery and documents provided by the prosecution.
- Research and investigate issues and cases.
- Meet with clients as necessary.
- Return all telephone calls and other communication from or on behalf of clients.
- Prepare and file pleadings for trial.
- Maintain written correspondence with clients during pretrial, trial and post-trial process.
- Prioritize and organize workload to meet deadlines.
- Maintain awareness of new court decisions, laws, rules and regulations.
- Meet with investigator(s) to monitor the progress of investigations.
- Prepare cases for court and conduct trials as assigned.
- Provide narrative and descriptive entries in client files of opinions, impressions and facts collected.
- Negotiate with prosecutors and other involved in the court process.
- Advise clients on plea offers, options and potential for success at trial or other dispositions of cases.
- Advise clients of constitutional rights waived by pleading guilty and the potential direct and collateral consequences of a guilty plea.
- Select juries, examine and cross examine witnesses, draft and argue jury instructions and argue cases to the jury.
- Advise non-citizen clients of the specific immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
- Attend conferences, in-house trainings and stay current on legal updates.
- Perform related tasks consistent with skills, abilities, and general responsibilities, including supervision of staff, as assigned to support HPRPDO.