State of Arkansas · 11 hours ago
PUBLIC DEFENDER II
Jonesboro, AR
Part-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$86K/yr - $127K/yr
2+ years expThe State of Arkansas is seeking a Public Defender II responsible for providing high-quality legal defense services to individuals who cannot afford private legal representation. This role involves representing clients in serious criminal cases, managing a substantial caseload, and ensuring effective legal counsel throughout the criminal justice process.
EducationEmploymentGovernmentPublic RelationsRecreation
Responsibilities
Provide legal representation for indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, including serious criminal charges such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and complex criminal defense matters
Handle all aspects of criminal cases, from pre-trial motions and hearings to trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters
Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research legal issues related to each case
Develop defense strategies, prepare motions, legal briefs, and other necessary legal documents to advance clients' cases effectively
Provide legal counsel and guidance to clients, ensuring they understand their legal rights, options, and the potential consequences of their decisions
Negotiate plea deals with the prosecution, ensuring that clients’ interests are best represented during these discussions
Represent clients in hearings, trials, motions, and other court proceedings, delivering persuasive arguments and utilizing effective trial strategies
Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, present evidence, and argue motions in court
Prepare and submit legal documents, including briefs, motions, subpoenas, and other filings required by the court
Manage a substantial caseload, ensuring that each case is handled efficiently and within deadlines
Perform extensive legal research to support case strategies, identifying legal precedents, relevant statutes, and case law that can strengthen defenses
Review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop defense strategies accordingly
Collaborate with expert witnesses and investigators as needed to build comprehensive case defenses
Represent adult clients in the circuit courts of Arkansas charged with felonious offenses
Meet the criteria of the employer to represent clients charged with class A felonies
Report case dispositions on or before the last day of every month for the preceding thirty (30) days to office staff for submission to the Commission
Obtain a minimum of six (6) hours legal education annually in the area of criminal law
Qualification
Required
ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECK
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
Two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney, with a focus on criminal defense, public defense, or related legal experience
Must be a licensed attorney in the State of Arkansas, with a valid Arkansas bar membership
Expert understanding of Arkansas criminal law, procedures, and the rules of evidence, as well as applicable federal criminal law
Strong ability to analyze legal issues, research case law, and formulate comprehensive and effective defense strategies
Expertise in complex legal areas such as constitutional law, trial tactics, and post-conviction relief
Excellent trial advocacy skills, including the ability to conduct direct and cross-examinations, deliver compelling opening and closing statements, and effectively present evidence
Strong negotiation skills to advocate for clients during plea negotiations or settlements, always ensuring the client's best interests are considered
Provide legal representation for indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases, including serious criminal charges such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and complex criminal defense matters
Handle all aspects of criminal cases, from pre-trial motions and hearings to trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters
Conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, gather and review evidence, and research legal issues related to each case
Develop defense strategies, prepare motions, legal briefs, and other necessary legal documents to advance clients' cases effectively
Provide legal counsel and guidance to clients, ensuring they understand their legal rights, options, and the potential consequences of their decisions
Negotiate plea deals with the prosecution, ensuring that clients' interests are best represented during these discussions
Represent clients in hearings, trials, motions, and other court proceedings, delivering persuasive arguments and utilizing effective trial strategies
Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, present evidence, and argue motions in court
Prepare and submit legal documents, including briefs, motions, subpoenas, and other filings required by the court
Manage a substantial caseload, ensuring that each case is handled efficiently and within deadlines
Perform extensive legal research to support case strategies, identifying legal precedents, relevant statutes, and case law that can strengthen defenses
Review police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, and other materials to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and develop defense strategies accordingly
Collaborate with expert witnesses and investigators as needed to build comprehensive case defenses
Represent adult clients in the circuit courts of Arkansas charged with felonious offenses
Meet the criteria of the employer to represent clients charged with class A felonies
Report case dispositions on or before the last day of every month for the preceding thirty (30) days to office staff for submission to the Commission
Obtain a minimum of six (6) hours legal education annually in the area of criminal law
Preferred
Prior experience handling felony cases and trials is strongly preferred
Benefits
Eligible For State Health And Retirement Benefits
Company
State of Arkansas
State of Arkansas is a government organization that offers child support, business, employment, education, and recreational services.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Frank Andrews
State Chief Security Officer
Larry Walther
Director of the Department of Finance and Administration and Chief Fiscal Officer
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