Assistant Public Defender

Public Defender's Office
Bradford Courthouse
301 Main St.
Towanda, PA 18848
Phone: 570-265-1713

Duties:

Serves as Assistant to the Chief Public Defender and represents, in legal proceedings, defendants who cannot afford to hire private counsel; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

An employee in this class conducts legal research and represents defendants in legal proceedings as assigned. The work is performed under the supervision and with the assistance of the Chief Public Defender. Supervision may be exercised over supporting clerical personnel.

Examples of Work: (Illustrative only)

• Reads applications, complaints and affidavits of prospective clients to confirm or determine eligibility;
• Researches the crimes charged to determine elements of the crime, grading and possible recommended sentence;
• Interviews new clients to find out what happened, and explains crimes charged and court procedures;
• Represents defendants at preliminary hearings: cross-examines prosecution witnesses; questions defense witnesses, if any; and presents verbal legal motions and legal arguments;
• Appears at arraignments with defendant to enter plea and explains procedures; checks information filed against charges on the complaint which are bound over at the preliminary hearing;
• Signs and appropriately files and serves Informal Request for Discovery and Request for Bill of Particulars;
• Researches, drafts, proof reads, signs and files, appropriate Omnibus Pretrial Motions within time limit;
• Negotiates plea bargains/settlements with clients and the Commonwealth;

• Answers questions/responds to concerns of clients (and their families), either in person or by telephone, and researches as necessary;
• Negotiates with probation department regarding preparation of presentence reports, clients' prior record scores, and recommended sentence;
• Schedules with Court Administrator motion arguments, bench warrant hearings, parole hearings, pleas and sentencings;
• Confers with probation department regarding probation/parole work release problems and successes, then takes whatever action necessary;
• Explains plea and sentencing procedures to defendants;
• Researches, drafts, proof reads, signs and files post-verdict motions and post-sentencing motions;
• Files appeal (includes legal research, review of file, drafting of legal documents, filing and service);
• Develops brief, makes argument and responds to client;
• Drafts, files, schedules, and argues bail reduction;
• Discusses paternity cases and court procedures with clients and advises in resame;
• Advises walk-ins (prospective clients);
• Interviews juveniles and explains procedures;
• Negotiates resolution with probation department, District Attorney's Office and police;
• Explains procedures, agreements and disposition to parents;
• Handles involuntary commitment proceedings, interviewing clients, negotiating resolution, conducting legal research and representing at hearing;
• Requests Court Administrator to obtain court-appointed counsel for conflict cases if support staff has not had time to arrange same;
• Explains theory of conflict of interest to prospective clients.

Required Knowledges, skills, and abilities

Good knowledge of the principles of civil criminal law and of the methods and practices of pleading; good knowledge of judicial procedures and of the rules of evidence; good knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, practices and references utilized in legal research; ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents to ascertain the determining aspects of cases and to present such material in a clear and logical form; ability to present and argue cases in court and to handle unanticipated problems smoothly; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, County officials and the general public; good judgment; good physical condition.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

Some experience in the practice of law, preferably including some experience in trial work, and graduation from an accredited law school; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledges, skills and abilities.

Additional Requirements

Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.