Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Fontana, CA

Government

Fontana, CA

Criminal Law - Defense Attorney in Fontana, CA

Attorney

No

Job Title: Deputy Public Defender I

Job Responsibilities:
- Investigate, prepare for trial, and conduct trial defense for adult defendants, including preparing trial strategies and jury instructions.
- Investigate, prepare for, and conduct defense for juveniles in jurisdictional and dispositional hearings.
- Appear with and for defendants at court hearings, decide and make appropriate legal motions and pleas, and take other legal actions on behalf of clients.
- Conduct legal research and prepare legal briefs and opinions.
- Argue the merits of probation for defendants and prepare appeals, writs, and other legal correspondence.
- Negotiate with prosecuting authorities regarding the disposition or modification of charges.
- Order investigations and subpoenas; interview defendants and witnesses.
- Assist, advise, and train lower-level attorneys.
- Provide vacation and temporary relief as required.

Education and Experience Information:
- License: Active membership and in good standing with the State Bar of California is required.
- Note: Candidates who have passed the State or California Bar Exam and are pending licensure, or who have taken the State of California Bar Exam and are awaiting results, or who are registered for the next California State Bar Examination, will be considered. California State Bar Membership must be attained in order to be hired.
- Desired Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have performed community service and volunteered time working with indigent defendants and family members. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Salary Information:
- - Hourly
- $7, - $8, Monthly
- $94, - $103, Annually

Additional Information:
- Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number are received.
- Planned step increases include a 3% annual across-the-board salary increase in February 2026, contingent upon assessed values for the previous fiscal year.
- Attorneys may have the opportunity to work a flexible 9/80 work schedule.
- Candidates assigned to the Victorville or Joshua Tree offices may be eligible to receive an additional incentive of $77 per pay period (an extra $2,002 annually).
- Assignments may be made at any location throughout the County depending on the needs of the department.
- Applicants must pass a background investigation, including fingerprinting, prior to appointment.
- Those hired must be active members in good standing with the State Bar of California, and this status must be maintained to remain employed in this classification.
- Deputy Public Defender I positions are eligible for promotion to Deputy Public Defender II, III, or IV upon meeting the minimum requirements and receiving a satisfactory work performance evaluation.
- Deputy Public Defender IV positions may earn up to $201,531 annually.
- The organization is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
- The selection process includes a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the application materials.
- The application procedure requires completing and submitting an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
- All communications regarding the selection process will be via email, and applicants are encouraged to check their email frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment.
- The organization is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer.
- Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points.