An Assistant Public Defender is responsible for legal representation of indigent defendants and respondents appointed to the Public Defender Office by judges of Boone and Lincoln Counties. Instead of spending time in a law library or on a computer researching other attorney's case, those who choose the path of a public defender hit the ground running managing their own caseload with real world, in courtroom experience.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
*Legal representation of indigent persons charged with crimes in Boone and Lincoln County.
*To include felonies and misdemeanors for which a jail sentence is provided by law. Legal representation of juveniles in juvenile status and delinquency petitions.
*Legal representation of adult respondents in child abuse and neglect cases. Necessitates attendance both in court and at Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings.
*Legal representation of adult respondents facing involuntary commitments to mental health institutions. Requires communication with and counseling of respondents certified by a mental health professional to be 1) addicted to alcohol and/or drugs, 2) an immediate danger to themselves, or 3) an immediate danger to others. May require appearances at hearings arising on short notice and outside of normal office hours.
*Legal representation of defendants in post-conviction matters including appeals.
In order to effectively fulfill the aforementioned duties and responsibilities Defenders will regularly:
*Meet and maintain contact with appointed clients throughout the entirety of representation. This may necessitate phone contact, letters, and visits to correctional facilities.
* Interact with law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, court officials, and various state agencies (Child Protective Services, etc.) on behalf of clients.
* Prepare pre-trial motions and represent clients at pre-trial hearings.
* Negotiate with prosecuting attorneys to achieve favorable plea agreements for defendants.
* Counsel clients on potential resolutions based upon analysis of facts, evidence, legal research, plea offers, and likelihood of success at trial.
* Represent defendants at bench and jury trials in magistrate and circuit court.
* Prepare post-trial motions and represent clients at post-trial hearings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
*Ability to accomplish the abovementioned Duties and Responsibilities.
* Law degree
* Licensed to practice law in West Virginia
* In good standing with the West Virginia Bar
* Ability to research law, interpret law, draft legal documents, and advocate in court proceedings.
JOB ATMOSPHERE:
Assistant public defenders are assigned to either the Hamlin or Madison office. In some instances a defender may be assigned duties requiring a presence in both offices. Defenders will be provided office space and computer access to accomplish the duties and responsibilities described above.
Attorneys will regularly appear at the Boone County Courthouse and/or Lincoln County Courthouse. Assistant public defenders will occasionally be required to meet with incarcerated defendants at correctional facilities.
Salary starts at $72,000, but is negotiable depending upon years of experience. Please send resumes and cover letters to by email to Chief Public Defender Tim Gibson at [email protected] or by at mail our main office located at 320 Main Street Madison, WV 25130.
Pay: $72,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
