Jurisdictional Class:
Non-competitive
Adopted: 10/20/05
Revised: 4/28/09
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This
work involves responsibility for representing indigent defendants as assigned
by the Public Defender. The work
involves representing the defendant through every stage of proceedings
following arrest through and including any appeals. In addition to actual representation, the
Assistant Public Defender assists the Public Defender in the
investigation, preparation, conduct and appeal in various court and legal
proceedings involving indigent defendants.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Defender
with wide leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work as
required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)
Initiates such
proceedings as are necessary to protect the rights of the accused;
Assists the Public
Defender in the preparation of various court proceedings;
Confers with defendants, law enforcement personnel, judges, and District Attorney staff concerning individual cases;
Investigates
defendant’s financial status;
Prepares cases for trial by responding to motions, preparing
for hearings, evaluation case, plea-bargaining and discussing case with
District Attorney staff;
Prepares for trial by researching law and rules of evidence, preparing trial file of evidence, reviews prospective jurors, reviews trial changes by judge and develops trial strategy;
Supervises clerical
staff in connection with the preparation of cases and the
maintenance
of appropriate records;
Tries cases, including jury selection, presentment of cases, preparing opening statements and preparing closing summations;
May handle post judgment motions, including receiving motions to vacate judgment, preparing response and brief and arguing motion in Superior Court;
May handle appeals by preparing brief, arguing appeal in the Appellate Division and seeking permission of Court of Appeals if not a matter of right.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS:
Thorough knowledge of
criminal law and court proceedings;
Good knowledge of
judicial procedures and rules of evidence;
Ability to interpret
and work with
Ability to
communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Ability to reason
quickly and logically in stressful situations;
Ability to analyze and interpret laws and legal documents in order to render an accurate legal opinion;
Ability to analyze and organize facts effectively;
Ability to prepare for and present cases in court;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with others;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a license to practice law
in the State of