Public Defender
Kent County is excited to announce the Office of the Public Defender. This new County department will expand and enhance the criminal defense system presently offered to indigent defendants in Kent County.
Kent County is actively seeking a dedicated and passionate Public Defender to serve as Department Director for the office and the attorney of record for indigent adults facing criminal charges within the County. This pivotal role involves the development, implementation, oversight, and direction of the Public Defender’s Office and the indigent defense private counsel roster. The right person for this role is a change agent who is highly adept at building relationships based on trust; and is a passionate advocate for the disadvantaged, ensuring that indigent defendants receive high quality legal representation. Following are a few of the responsibilities associated with this position:
Strategic Leadership:
· Develops and maintains long and short-term goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department.
· Directs programs to maximize operational effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
· Responsible for a $25 million budget supported by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
Compliance and Management:
· Adheres to guidelines outlined in the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) grant manual and related guidance.
· Ensures policies and procedures align with relevant state, local, and federal requirements.
· Oversees administrative activities, including grant application, reporting, conflict checks, case appointments, and reviews of roster attorney invoices.
Legal Expertise:
· Researches, analyzes, and evaluates legal issues on behalf of the department.
· Provides written and/or oral opinions and advice as appropriate.
· Represents clients.
Team Supervision:
· Manages a team of attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, legal assistants, and other support staff.
Case Oversight:
· Approves and supervises pre-trial investigations, motion practice, transcript requests, funding requests, polygraph examinations, and the use of expert witnesses.
· Directs the defense of all criminal cases assigned to the Office of the Public Defender.