Public Defender Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Accident Reconstructionist & Defense Investigator to serve as the critical bridge between collision science and courtroom strategy. In this high-impact role, your technical expertise will be the backbone of our legal defense, turning complex crash data into actionable, science-backed trial strategies that directly empower our attorneys.

You will serve as the primary expert voice tasked with reconstructing intricate collision sequences, auditing prosecution/plaintiff findings, and uncovering the critical details that others miss. By delivering definitive investigative insights, you give our legal teams the clarity and leverage needed to build compelling defense narratives, dismantle opposing arguments, and secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

If you are ready to bring your technical expertise to the frontlines of legal defense and make a measurable impact on every case you touch, apply today!

About Us

With over 470 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid and alternative work schedule options

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive

• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Three years of investigative experience with law enforcement, government, or military agency

• High school diploma or GED

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated experience and training as an Accident Investigator/Reconstructionist

• Recognition as a court expert in accident investigation/reconstruction as demonstrated through a CV

• Applicants must include in their application a list of all investigative experience and assignments as well as a list of all accident investigation, reconstruction, and DUI training courses

• Must possess or obtain a valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

• Knowledge of law enforcement investigative techniques and government relations as they relate to indigent defense administration

• Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas and concepts to others

• Ability to assimilate information from a variety of sources, analyze information, and make or recommend courses of investigation

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system

• Ability to interact tactfully with clients, their families, attorneys, and other professionals

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills

Job Contributions

• Proactively assist in reviewing vehicle accident, fatality, and DUI cases

• Provide expertise in the development of defense strategies and case theories

• Conduct field investigations including but not limited to:

  • Vehicle Inspections

  • Taking photos

  • Videotaping

  • Obtaining witness statements, and

  • Preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams

• Update attorneys regularly on progress of investigations and recommendations for further initiatives or preparation of the case

• Review case documents and recommend securing additional background information that may be needed for the case (may need to obtain family histories, alibis, and various in-state/out-of-state public, private, and government records)

• Locate and interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases which may require in-state and/or out-of-state travel

• Interface with criminal authorities, investigators from other law enforcement agencies, and contacts at other related agencies

• Responsible for the use and maintenance of computers and various types of crash software and programs, cameras, video and recording devices, motor vehicles, and other related equipment

• Based on Office business needs, may be assigned as an investigator to any of the Office's units/groups, including but not limited to:

  • Capital Homicide

  • Trial

  • Early Representation

  • Juvenile in Adult Court, and/or

  • Vehicular

• Conduct computer inquiries and extensive record searches and maintain records and documentation

Working Conditions

• Hybrid or alternative work schedule options are available after training based on business needs

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight

• Work in dangerous environments such as local roads, highways/freeways, intersections, and around unsafe vehicles

• High volume of work with an emphasis on accuracy

• Viewing and reviewing traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

• Assigned multiple casesand tasks with frequent changes and interruptions

• Work alone at times and in close proximity to other investigators and defense teams

• Contact with the public, crime scenes, and criminal defendants are frequent occurrences

• May be required to lift 20 pounds floor to waist, 25 pounds waist to shoulder, 10 pounds shoulder to overhead, carry 25 pounds a distance of 1000 feet, and push/pull 50 pounds a distance of 1000 feet

• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact MHRFeedback@maricopa.gov to initiate the interactive process.

Apply Now!