The Public Defender’s Office provides a wide variety of complex professional legal services for Mohave County. As one of four indigent defense offices in Mohave County, the Public Defender’s Office serves as the primary defense agency for clients who have been appointed counsel. Attorneys are expected to provide services and coverage to the County’s Courts located in the four major cities – Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City and Colorado City. Employees within the Department are expected to adhere to County Policies, Court Rules, State Statutes, as well as State and National Bar Standards.
The Law Office of the Public Defender is responsible for assuring that constitutional and statutorily mandated legal representation is provided to indigent clients in Mohave County. The Office represents clients in several case types including: criminal felonies, criminal misdemeanors, juvenile delinquencies, juvenile dependencies, Title 36 proceedings, and sexually violent persons.
It is important that the Public Defender be an experienced leader with excellent communication and administrative skills and is proficient at developing relationships and consensus. The candidate shall have executive knowledge of the principles of civil and/or criminal law, the methods and practices of pleading civil cases, and effective techniques in the presentation and preparation of cases in court. Widespread knowledge of the judicial procedures and rules of evidence and interviewing and investigative techniques is necessary.
The ideal candidate shall possess a Certificate of Admission to the State Bar of Arizona and be eligible to practice law before the courts of the State of Arizona. The candidate must have progressively responsible legal experience to include ten (10) years of criminal law or in areas related to criminal law with demonstrated administrative and/or supervisory experience.
Serious candidates should also have the skills to provide the vision and leadership to implement cutting-edge services and technologies, a leader who excels at building partnerships, empowering staff, and collaborating with other elected officials, departments and agencies.
To be considered for the position of Mohave County Public Defender, please submit an employment application, resume, a cover letter indicating your interest, three work related references and current salary to Mohave County Human Resources Department.
For detailed information on this position and to apply online, please visit our website at www.mohavecounty.us and click on Employment. For questions, contact the Human Resources Director at [email protected].