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Defender Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Blytheville, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of each case, including interviewing clients ... Defender's Office to provide the best possible defense for clients.Represent clients in court ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 ... Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings. * Represents ...

Steuben County

IN · On-site

Public Defender - Murder Qualified DEPARTMENT: Public Defender WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned JOB ... Ability to analyze, observe, investigate and evaluate data, and coordinate, place, make ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 ... Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings. * Represents ...

Allegany County

Assistant Public Defender

Belmont, NY · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

In addition to actual representation, employees in this class assist the Public Defender in the investigation, preparation of cases in various courts and legal proceedings involving indigent persons.

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Defender Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for defender investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 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.
More about Defender Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Defender Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Defender Investigator job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Defender Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defender Investigator jobs are:
Defender Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defender Investigator job openings in the United States 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 $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Ontario County Public Defender's Office is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant Public Defender position in their office.
Salary: 2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values: All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County's shared values and behaviors to achieve the County's Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Shall have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, or a New York State registered college or university with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Law Degree from an accredited Law School. Shall be admitted to the practice of law in the state of New York, and shall be continuously admitted throughout the term of service as the Assistant Public Defender. Multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Public Defender shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to the county.
Experience:
A satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding in the field and practice of criminal law. Prior experience in representing individuals in a Public Defender office or through an 18-b panel is preferred but not required. Trial experience preferred but not required.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide zealous legal representation of the highest caliber. Work collaboratively
    with office attorneys, social workers, defense investigators, and administrative staff.
    Promote a collaborative, client-centered office setting.
  • Assist the Public Defender in handling a full caseload of criminal matters including
    arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, hearings, and trials.
    Appear at criminal and administrative proceedings in the local, county, and state
    courts located within Ontario County.
  • Handling first appearances in courts throughout Ontario County and the Centralized
    Arraignment Part.
  • Assist the Public Defender in legal research in the preparation of pretrial motions
    and trial memoranda.
  • Maintain accurate records and updated files.
  • Represent clients accused of violating terms of their supervision in parole
    proceedings.
  • Assist the Public Defender by maintaining frequent client contact by phone, paper
    correspondence, and performing routine visits to incarcerated clients.
  • Work with defense investigators to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated.
    Collaborate with office social work staff on behalf of clients in need of services.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
EOE

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