Criminal Defense Investigator - Butte

This position performs detailed and specialized investigative work on behalf of indigent defendants for the Public Defender's Office. Gathers information and evidence pertaining to assigned cases which may be used in preparing a defense for the defendant; interviews defendants, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, witnesses and any and all others who may have information on the assigned case; obtains detailed information from defendants pertaining to the charges and defendant's work and financial background; photographs and/or sketches crime scenes; enters investigative information into the Public Defender's computer system and prepares reports from interviews and other investigations for use by the Public Defender's office; builds and maintains files pertaining to investigations; serves subpoenas; performs legal research and participates with assigned Deputy Public Defenders in preparing the defendant's case for trial; testifies in trial as needed; attends meetings, conferences and workshops as requested and authorized; performs related work as required.

Position requires comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal investigations; comprehensive knowledge of the methods and procedures for the collection of information and evidence; thorough knowledge of the laws of the State of Montana relating to assigned duties; skill in securing information from others relating to assigned duties; ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Public Defender, Deputy Public Defenders, Legal Assistants, witnesses and others who may have an impact on the defendant's case; ability to prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations; ability to operate a personal computer using standard word processing, spreadsheet and database applications appropriate to assigned duties; ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written and/or oral instructions; ability to perform a wide variety of investigative and legal research tasks with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines; ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology; ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks. Must have the ability to travel.



Qualifications:

The above knowledge, skills and abilities are typically acquired through a Bachelor's Degree in criminology, sociology or closely related investigative field and 3 years progressively responsible experience in investigative work.


Eligible Training Assignment:

46,526.00