Assistant Public Defender

Sumter County is Presently Seeking an Assistant Public Defender for the Third Circuit Public Defender’s Office Starting Salary DOQ Examples of Work Performed As a Public Defender, you will represent indigent individuals charged with criminal offenses in Sumter County, serving the community by guaranteeing the fundamental right to counsel. You can expect to spend a lot of time in the courtroom where you’ll try criminal cases, argue motions, and negotiate plea bargains. To prepare for your duties in court, you will participate in case investigation including crime scene investigation, interview witnesses and victims, examine evidence, research legal issues, evaluate and prepare witnesses for trial, and assist in jury selection. In addition to your daily work as a Public Defender, you’ll also have opportunities to attend professional conferences, trainings, seminars, and workshops, and participate in various community and civic organizations. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Conducts initial case evaluations as assigned: reviews case file and analyzes the facts and evidence of the case; assesses client eligibility and needs; reviews criminal histories; determines appropriateness of diversion, dismissal, or charges; reviews accuracy of jurisdiction, venue, and scope of arrest powers; ensures sufficient probable cause; prepares or reviews charges and discovery; and prepares for arraignment. Investigates, analyzes, and prepares assigned cases for hearings and trials: interviews clients in and out of custody; requests and inspects records and evidence; prepares graphics and exhibits; makes investigative requests and follows up on leads; obtains and reviews lab results and analysis; identifies and interviews witnesses and verifies alibis; observes crime scenes; subpoenas witnesses and prepares them for trial; prepares client for trial; determines need for, procures, and interviews expert witnesses; assesses need for and coordinates psychological or other evaluation of client; anticipates legal issues; and develops case strategies. Represents assigned clients at arraignments, preliminary and pre‑trial hearings and conferences, probation and sentencing, post‑adjudication/post‑conviction hearings, alternative and diversion programs, specialty courts, or any related courtroom proceedings: prepares and argues motions and evidence; negotiates and presents plea resolutions; negotiates at all stages on behalf of the client; advises clients regarding the acceptance or rejection of plea offers; and participates in jury selection, opening and closing statements, evidence presentation, witness questioning, and bond/sentencing recommendations; performs other related duties as required. Minimum Requirements Requires a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school. Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina Driver’s license. Must possess and maintain licensure from the South Carolina Bar Association. Benefits Sumter County Government participates in the SC State Health Plans and Retirement Plans administered by PEBA (Public Employee Benefit Authority). A complete listing of benefits and eligibility requirements can be found by accessing peba.sc.gov. An overview of benefits and eligibility will be provided in the pre‑employment packet and again during the new hire orientation. The office pays for yearly CLE credits, primarily through attendance at the Public Defender Conference. Request Assistance & Reasonable Accommodation If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants with disabilities may contact Sumter County Government – Human Resources via telephone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, FAX View phone number on click.appcast.io or e‑mail View email address on click.appcast.io to request and arrange for accommodations. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. To apply for this position - Apply Here Opens in new window #J-18808-Ljbffr