Public Defender II - Texas Indigent Defense Commission Grant - 2

This position provides a full range of legal services to indigent defendants in the assigned felony and misdemeanor cases.

Primary responsibility to handle the felony case load.

Additional responsibilities to assist in misdemeanor caseload, trial preparation and trials, as directed.

• Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, this position will provide legal representation to clients appointed to the Public Defender’s Office.
• 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.
• Screen cases for potential conflicts.
• Assist in the training of new and less experienced attorneys.
• 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 others 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 and stay current on legal updates.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender.