Government
Modesto, CA
Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Modesto, CA
Attorney
No
Job Title: Deputy Public Defender I
Job Responsibilities:
The Deputy Public Defender I works under the general direction of the Public Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender. The role involves a variety of professional legal work related to criminal defense, civil litigation, investigation, and trial preparation. Specific tasks include:
- Interviewing and advising defendants or individuals about their constitutional rights and other relevant information concerning existing criminal charges or prospective criminal complaints.
- Advising clients on their legal rights.
- Analyzing case materials, initiating investigations, and interviewing witnesses, local authorities, and others with essential information or testimony for the development and presentation of the defense.
- Conducting legal research as required and studying, interpreting, and incorporating laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities in case preparation.
- Appearing in court to represent defendants at court hearings.
- Conferring with prosecuting staff, probation authorities, and court officials to discuss pleas, modification of charges, and presentation and examination of documents and material prior to trials.
- Preparing and submitting documents regarding applications for probation, appeals of court findings, writs, and other legal documents on behalf of defendants.
- Performing related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
For the position of Attorney I, candidates must:
- Pass the California State Bar and possess a valid bar license.
- Complete and pass a background investigation.
Skills/Abilities:
Candidates must possess a variety of skills and abilities, including:
- Organizing multiple tasks and preparing and presenting statements of fact, law, and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
- Evaluating facts and evidence and obtaining information through examination.
- Analyzing legal problems and applying legal principles and practices.
- Following directions and accepting and learning from criticism.
- Communicating effectively, extracting information from, and coherently providing it to others.
- Producing research and writing and accurately documenting actions.
- Dressing professionally and working with others in a team environment.
- Maintaining the confidence and respect of members of the legal profession, public officials, and others contacted in the work process.
- Public speaking and argument, writing clearly and concisely, and arguing clearly and logically.
- Demonstrating flexibility in approach to legal issues and working with people.
- Thinking on one's feet and explaining these thoughts coherently.
- Basic computer skills to function effectively in an automated environment.
Knowledge:
Candidates must have knowledge of:
- Legal research and writing.
- Criminal and civil law and procedure.
- Rules of evidence and trial principles.
- Oral argument and constitutional law.
- Charging statutes and language, sentencing, and probation parameters.
- Office procedures and practices.
- Rules of Court and organization and handling of multiple cases.
Salary Information:
The salary for the Deputy Public Defender I position ranges from to hourly.
Application and Selection Procedures:
Applications must be submitted online and cannot be submitted later than 5:00 . on the final filing date. Resumes are optional and cannot substitute for the completed application. The examination process includes application review and screening, an oral examination, and placement on an eligible list for successful candidates. The recruitment schedule is tentative, and the application deadline is continuous but may close at any time. The oral examination is scheduled approximately every two weeks.
General Information:
Final appointment is conditional upon successfully passing a County-paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable) and a job-related background investigation. Some positions may require a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related essential functions.
The organization supports the good health of its workforce, and more information is available on their wellness website. Candidates are advised to use a desktop or laptop computer for the online application process due to potential incompatibility issues with cell phones.
Jul 11, 2025
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May 08, 2025
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