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Defender Investigator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Maricopa

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$29.25 - $38.63/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision ...

Maricopa

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$29.25 - $38.63/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision ...

Maricopa County, AZ

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$29.95 - $48/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision ...

Maricopa

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$29.25 - $38.63/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision ...

Maricopa County

Accident Reconstructionist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$29.95 - $48/hr

Job Type Unclassified Department Public Defender About the Position We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision ...

Alliance Defending Freedom

Senior Counsel

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$195K - $230K/yr

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose--to stand for ... Exercise initiative as a senior attorney to investigate potential cases * Represent clients in ...

Alliance Defending Freedom

Senior Counsel

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$195K - $230K/yr

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose--to stand for ... Exercise initiative as a senior attorney to investigate potential cases * Represent clients in ...

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Defender Investigator information

See Arizona salary details

$29.8K

$70.2K

$122.1K

How much do defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for defender investigator in Arizona is $70,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Defender Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectDefender InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
CredentialsMay require security or law enforcement background, licensing varies by stateTypically requires licensing, background checks, and sometimes specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOften employed by security firms, law enforcement agencies, or government entitiesOperates independently or for private agencies, often in diverse settings
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, security, governmentPrivate investigation agencies, legal firms, individuals

While both roles involve investigative work, Defender Investigators primarily focus on security-related investigations within law enforcement or security settings, often requiring specific credentials. Private Investigators operate more independently, handling a variety of cases for private clients. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by defender investigators when gathering evidence for public defense cases?

Defender Investigators often encounter obstacles such as uncooperative witnesses, tight case deadlines, and limited access to certain records or locations. Balancing a high caseload while ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation can be demanding. Successful investigators rely on strong communication skills, persistence, and collaboration with attorneys and other team members to overcome these hurdles and ensure clients receive a fair defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defender investigator?

To thrive as a Defender Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of criminal justice procedures, usually supported by a relevant degree or experience in law enforcement or legal settings. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases, and evidence-gathering tools is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills are vital to ensure accurate fact-finding, support effective defense strategies, and uphold clients' legal rights in criminal cases.

What is a defender investigator?

Defender Investigators are professionals who work alongside public defenders or defense attorneys to gather facts, evidence, and witness statements related to criminal cases. Their primary role is to uncover information that may support the defense, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and help ensure a fair trial for the defendant. They conduct interviews, review reports, visit crime scenes, and sometimes testify in court about their findings. Defender Investigators play a crucial part in upholding justice by ensuring all relevant information is considered in legal proceedings.
What are popular job titles related to Defender Investigator jobs in Arizona? For Defender Investigator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Defender Investigator jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Defender Investigator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Defender Investigator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Defender Investigator job openings:
Defender Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defender Investigator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,194 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Arraignment Court Public Defender - Contract Position

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

$65/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

245th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description/Duties This recruitment is used to establish a pool of contracted Public Defenders for the Arraignment Court of the Mesa Municipal Court. All applications will be reviewed and qualified candidates will be forwarded to the Public Defender's Office for consideration every two weeks. Contracted positions will be filled as-needed, and candidates from the pool may be contacted at any time, sometimes with short notice.

About the Position: The City of Mesa Municipal Court has an Arraignment Court for out-of-custody defendants, and the City provides Public Defenders to serve as Advisory counsel to indigent defendants in this court. Public Defenders in the Arraignment Court personally consult with clients prior to and during arraignment sessions; argue release conditions; negotiate plea agreements; represent clients at change of plea proceedings and sentencings; and otherwise represent the client's best interests. Public Defenders provide each client with advice and information regarding the client's legal rights and obligations, explaining the practical implications of the client's possible choices.

Arraignment Court business hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Public Defenders are contracted positions and are not eligible for City of Mesa employee benefits

Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from an accredited school of law and good (1 - 3 years) experience as a criminal law attorney. Special Requirements.

Active membership in the Arizona State Bar Association at the time of application. For this position, an individual receiving a conditional offer of contracted agreement for counsel services from the City of Mesa must pass a background investigation through the City of Mesa Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment with the City of Mesa. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills.

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