District Court Public Defender-Box Elder RFQ

BOX ELDER COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER RFQ

The Box Elder County is currently accepting resumes from qualified attorneys who are interested in providing indigent defense services as an independent contractor.

Public Defenders render legal services for all cases handled by the Office of the Public Defender including felony and misdemeanor criminal charges in district court. The attorney would be an independent contractor with the county and receive a monthly flat fee $7,600 ($92,000 a year). The attorney would have a flexible schedule and allowed to take outside cases to supplement their income. In Brigham City, the District Court calendar is most Mondays and occasional Tuesdays.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to.

• Serves as defense attorney for indigent criminal defendants who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel.
• Prepares for and appears with clients at all pretrial and trial proceedings and hearings.
• Conducts investigations; obtains formal and informal discovery; develops a theory of the case; research legal issues, prepares, files, and argues appropriate motions.
• Negotiate settlements or changes of plea.
• Interviews clients to evaluate evidence and assess strength of case.
• Analyzes charging documents, police reports and discovery material and evidence for assigned criminal cases.
• Prepares trial briefs and conducts all phases of trial in court, including jury trials.
• Recommends bond and participates in bond hearings.
• Reviews petitions for probation revocations.
• Participates in sentencing hearing
• May be required to cover a specialty court such as Drug Court.
• Prepares motions for a new trial.
• Develops overall defense strategies.
• Comply with IDC grant requirements.
• Keeps current with the statutes, rules, and cases regarding both procedural and substantive legal issues.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, terminology, and systems; state and federal laws; rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of law enforcement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Skilled in negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making practices
• Self-motivated
• Ability to remain flexible
• Client-oriented and customer service skills
• Capable of spotting and framing issues to advance the client’s interests.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, prosecutors, witnesses, and judges/ court personnel.
• Qualifications
• Applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Utah and be a member in good standing with the Utah State Bar Association.
• Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant experience and reputation.
• Candidates may also be evaluated based on their performance in an interview held with the managing public defender.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $92,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

License/Certification:

• Utah Bar License (Required)

Work Location: In person