Chief Public Defender

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

Duties:

Supervises the Public Defender's Office; reviews applications for Chief Public Defender services; does related work as required.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

An employee in this class must be an attorney. The Chief Public Defender is responsible for the total performance of the office, including supervision of professional and support staff.

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;