Deputy Public Defender I

Deputy Public Defender I
$9,052 - $11,002/Monthly*

Start or advance your legal career and show your passion for public service by becoming a Deputy Public Defender I.

English/Spanish Bilingual skills are highly desired!

Starting salary up to $132,031/year, a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:

• An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $3,002 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Premium pay of $1.15/hour, in addition to the hourly pay rate, for bilingual assignments*
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• Significant portion of health care premiums paid by the County and access to several health plan options
• County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
• Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• After hire, employees in this position are eligible to promote to Deputy Public Defender II, upon meeting additional requirements (Salary up to $144,366/year)

The Public Defender's Office

The Public Defender and his Office have the mandated responsibility of defending any person who is not financially able to employ counsel and who is charged with the commission of any contempt or offense triable in the superior or municipal courts. Additionally, the Public Defender represents qualified individuals in probate and welfare proceedings, and may represent any person who is not financially able to employ counsel in proceedings relating to the nature or conditions of detention prior to adjudication.

When you join the Office as a Deputy Public Defender I, you will perform legal work involving the investigation, preparation, and presentation of criminal and civil cases before the courts. Through the use of your independent judgment and initiative, you will work directly with both English and non-English speaking clients to:

• Investigate, research, prepare, and defend criminal and/or civil cases
• Interpret and apply laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, and briefs
• Prepare pleadings and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
• Conduct general legal research
• Interview and advise witnesses in regard to criminal complaints