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Public Defender Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Public Defender Investigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.4K

$78.6K

$136.7K

How much do public defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender investigator in Riverside, CA is $78,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $102,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender investigator?

Public Defender Investigators are professionals who work with public defender offices to investigate the facts of criminal cases on behalf of defendants who cannot afford private attorneys. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, visit crime scenes, and help build a defense strategy. Their work is crucial in ensuring that clients receive a fair trial by uncovering information that may support innocence or mitigate charges. Public Defender Investigators often work closely with attorneys to prepare for court and may testify as needed. They play a vital role in upholding justice and protecting the rights of the accused.

What does a public defender investigator do?

As a public defender investigator, your primary responsibilities are to assist public defender attorneys and gather evidence for use in criminal and civil trials. You work for clients who cannot afford a private attorney for their case. Your investigative duties include conducting interviews, running background checks, completing undercover surveillance, preparing legal documents, conferring with the attorney, and analyzing evidence. You handle a felony or misdemeanor charge, deliver subpoenas, act as a witness, and appear in a trial as necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, knowledge of criminal law and procedures, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, public records databases, and evidence collection tools is commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure thorough and unbiased investigations, supporting fair legal representation for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by public defender investigators in building a strong defense case?

Public Defender Investigators often encounter challenges such as limited access to witnesses, reluctance of individuals to cooperate, and working under tight deadlines. They must carefully gather and verify information while maintaining objectivity, even in emotionally charged cases. Additionally, balancing a heavy caseload and ensuring thoroughness can be demanding, but strong organizational and communication skills help investigators effectively support attorneys and clients.

What is the difference between Public Defender Investigator vs Public Defender Paralegal?

AspectPublic Defender InvestigatorPublic Defender Paralegal
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer relevant experienceHigh school diploma or associate degree; paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, interviews, case investigationOffice-based, legal research, document preparation
Employer & Industry UsagePublic defender offices, criminal justiceLaw firms, public defender offices, legal departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Public Defender Investigator and a Public Defender Paralegal lies in their roles. Investigators focus on gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and fieldwork, while paralegals handle legal research, document preparation, and administrative tasks. Both roles support public defenders but serve distinct functions within the criminal justice system.

More about Public Defender Investigator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Public Defender Investigator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Public Defender Investigator job openings:

Public Defender Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Investigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,584 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Investigative Technician- Public Defender

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

San Bernardino County

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 849 rated public administrative organizations

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about San Bernardino Countyexternal

$50K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Job Join Our Team and Earn County Benefits Receive 14 Paid Holidays +1 Floater Up To 160 Hours of Paid Vacation Up To 80 Hours of Paid Sick County Pension To Plan For Retirement Apply Today And Help Make A Difference In Our Community SALARY INCREASES Employees are eligible for merit-based step increases within the salary range, up to the maximum step. Refer to the Technical & Inspection Unit MOU. San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office is currently recruiting for Investigative Technicians II.

These positions provide technical and investigative support for trial preparation, including tasks such as photography, video production, research, and computer-based evidence gathering. Depending on the assignment, duties may also include serving civil or criminal summons, complaints, or subpoenas in the field, and confirming the identity of the individual being served. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply; additional compensation is paid to incumbents filling bilingual positions.

For more detailed information, refer to the Investigative Technician job description. Public Defender Office The Law Offices of the Public Defender San Bernardino County is a county department that is staffed with attorneys licensed by the State Bar of California. The attorneys who handle cases in court are called Deputy Public Defenders.

In addition to attorneys, the Public Defender employs Investigators to fully investigate cases handled by the Department. The Department also has a staff of social workers and support staff to provide the best representation for clients. The Public Defender will be appointed to represent any criminal or civil commitment defendant who cannot afford to hire an attorney, unless the office has a legal conflict of interest with that defendant's case.

The Public Defender represents adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes, and persons facing involuntary civil commitment for mental disorders or commitment under the Sexually Violent Predator statute. The Law Offices of the Public Defender San Bernardino County is a leader in innovation, developing and implementing programs to operate more efficiently and improving individual lives. Using a holistic approach, the Public Defender seeks to increase client opportunities for achieving self-sufficiency.

In addition to providing legal defense, our agency also seeks to arrange client access to social service programs and assistance with receiving alcohol and drug rehabilitation services and counseling for mental health issues. EXCELLENT BENEFITS To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Technical & Inspection Unit's MOU. The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 1. Incumbents may be assigned to any office or area within the County. 2.

Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation, which includes verification of employment history and education, fingerprinting, physical exam, and drug screening. 3. Incumbents are required to perform a significant portion of their duties in the field.

4. Incumbents may be required to lift of up to 50 pounds. 5.

Travel throughout the County may be required and employees will be required to make provisions for such transportation. Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future Minimum Requirements EDUCATION: Fifteen (15) semester or (23) quarter units of completed college coursework in Administration of Justice, Social/Behavioral Science, Business/Public Administration or closely related field from an accredited institution. --AND-- EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of experience in a legal, law enforcement, corrections or investigative agency or department.

SUBSTITUTION: One (1) additional year of qualifying experience may substitute for the required education. Desired Qualifications The ideal candidate will possess excellent time management skills, excel in prioritization, and have outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Experience operating video, audio and photography equipment is also highly desirable.

Selection Process There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department. Application Procedure: Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire by Friday, August 21, by 5:00 pm on the filing deadline to be considered.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires. All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail frequently to learn additional information regarding this recruitment.

Check your GovernmentJobs account for notifications. Update your firewalls to allow e-mails from San Bernardino County through governmentjobs.com. Update your Spam, Junk, and Bulk settings to ensure it will not spam/block/filter communications from email addresses with the following domain "@hr.sbcounty.gov"

Finally, be sure to keep your personal information updated. Taking these steps now will help ensure you receive all communications regarding this recruitment. To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline.

Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records.

Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application. If you require technical assistance, please refer HERE to review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline. Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans' Preference points.

Please review information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points. Please review important Applicant Information and the County Employment Process

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