Deputy Public Defender I/II/III

Title Deputy Public Defender – Adult Criminal Defense and Juvenile Delinquency Defense Salary Information Deputy Public Defender I: $7,368 – $9,404 approximate monthly / $42.51 – $54.26 approximate hourly Deputy Public Defender II: $8,324 – $10,625 approximate monthly / $48.03 – $61.30 approximate hourly Deputy Public Defender III: $9,732 – $12,421 approximate monthly / $56.14 – $71.66 approximate hourly About the Position The Shasta County Public Defender’s Office is recruiting for two practice areas: Adult Criminal Defense (felony and/or misdemeanor) and Juvenile Delinquency Defense. Applicants may request consideration for one or both assignments. Deputy Public Defenders represent indigent individuals facing criminal charges or juvenile delinquency petitions. Both assignments offer meaningful opportunities for direct client advocacy, litigation experience, and participation in ongoing training and professional development. Adult Criminal Assignment Attorneys in this unit represent clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses, appearing daily in criminal courts, negotiating resolutions, litigating motions, and conducting jury trials. Shasta County’s active trial environment provides unparalleled opportunities to develop strong courtroom skills. Juvenile Delinquency Assignment Attorneys in this unit represent youth facing delinquency petitions under Welfare & Institutions Code § 602. This assignment is rooted in a rehabilitative legal framework and involves close collaboration with families, probation, and community partners. Juvenile attorneys regularly litigate jurisdictional and dispositional hearings, file motions, and advocate for client‑centered, developmentally appropriate outcomes. Responsibilities (Common) Defend indigent clients in criminal and civil matters, including guardianships, adoptions, and conservatorships. Perform legal research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents. Prepare briefs, legal opinions, correspondence, and reports. Build cooperative relationships with colleagues, investigators, and community stakeholders. Responsibilities (Adult Criminal Specific) Appear daily in criminal courts, negotiate plea agreements, and litigate motions. Conduct jury trials in felony and misdemeanor cases. Develop courtroom strategies through active trial practice. Responsibilities (Juvenile Specific) Represent youth in delinquency petitions and related hearings. File motions and advocate for developmentally appropriate outcomes. Collaborate with families, probation officers, schools, and community partners. Qualifications Active Membership in the State Bar of California. For Deputy Public Defender I: Little to no prior criminal defense experience; supervised assignment to less complex cases. For Deputy Public Defender II: At least one year of experience comparable to Deputy Public Defender I or two years of experience as a practicing attorney. Ability to handle work of average difficulty and exercise independent judgment. For Deputy Public Defender III: Two years of experience comparable to Deputy Public Defender II or three years as a practicing attorney, including at least one year in criminal law. Capability to manage complex, sensitive cases such as sexual assault, child molestation, and homicide independently. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, curiosity, and dedication to holistic client advocacy. Special Requirements Possession of a valid California driver license. Active Membership in the State Bar of California. EEO Statement

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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