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Sentencing Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Criminal Defense Attorney

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

Draft motions, conduct negotiations, and advocate at hearings and sentencing. * Develop defence strategies across a broad spectrum of criminal charges. * Communicate with empathy while guiding ...

Court Psychologist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$110K - $122K/yr

Aid-in-Sentencing Assessments Conduct specialized assessments to inform the court about an ... Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.

A strategic thinker and skilled oral advocate who thrives under pressure. * A mentor to younger ... sentencing hearings, and appeals. • Develop legal strategies that are aggressive, ethical, and ...

New

Court Psychologist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site +1

$110K - $122K/yr

Aid-in-Sentencing Assessments Conduct specialized assessments to inform the court about an ... Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.

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Sentencing Advocate information

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$32.5K

$60.6K

$85.5K

How much do sentencing advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for sentencing advocate in the United States is $60,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a courtroom advocate?

To become a courtroom advocate, typically you need to earn a bachelor's degree followed by a law degree (J.D.) and pass the relevant state bar exam. Developing strong communication, research, and advocacy skills is essential, and gaining experience through internships or clerkships can be beneficial.

What is a Sentencing Advocate job?

A Sentencing Advocate works to secure fair and appropriate sentences for defendants by presenting mitigating evidence to the court. They research a client’s background, gather supporting documents, and develop reports detailing factors that may warrant reduced sentencing. They collaborate with defense attorneys, social workers, and experts to advocate for rehabilitation-focused alternatives. Their goal is to humanize defendants and ensure the court considers all relevant circumstances before sentencing.

Can you get paid to be an advocate?

Sentencing advocates are typically paid professionals who work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or legal entities, and they receive compensation for their services. Payment depends on the employer, experience, and funding sources, and advocates often need relevant training or certification. These roles may involve regular schedules and require strong communication and advocacy skills.

What jobs don't require a CJ degree?

Sentencing advocates typically do not require a criminal justice degree, as roles often focus on advocacy, case management, or support services that may prioritize experience, communication skills, and knowledge of the legal system. Many related positions in social work, counseling, or administrative support may be available without a criminal justice degree, though specific requirements vary by employer.

What is the highest paid job in criminal justice?

In criminal justice, the highest paid roles are often executive positions such as Chief of Police, Director of Corrections, or Criminal Justice Administrator, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing large agencies or departments.

What are some typical responsibilities and daily tasks for a Sentencing Advocate?

Sentencing Advocates spend much of their time researching clients’ backgrounds, conducting interviews with clients and their families, and preparing comprehensive reports for courts. They work closely with defense attorneys, social workers, and sometimes medical or mental health professionals to gather mitigating evidence and develop alternative sentencing proposals. Regular tasks may also involve attending court hearings, meeting with community resource providers, and communicating updates to legal teams. The work requires a balance of fieldwork, case documentation, and collaboration with various stakeholders to present compelling recommendations for fair and individualized sentencing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sentencing Advocate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sentencing Advocate, you need a deep understanding of criminal justice procedures, strong research abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in criminal justice, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with legal databases, case management software, and occasionally specific certifications in mitigation investigation or forensic advocacy are beneficial. Excellent communication, empathy, and cultural competence are crucial soft skills for effectively interviewing clients and presenting persuasive recommendations. These competencies ensure that advocates can adeptly assess cases, humanize defendants, and offer informed alternatives to incarceration within the justice system.

More about Sentencing Advocate jobs
What cities are hiring for Sentencing Advocate jobs? Cities with the most Sentencing Advocate job openings:
What states have the most Sentencing Advocate jobs? States with the most job openings for Sentencing Advocate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sentencing Advocate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,627 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

$47K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

CRIME VICTIMS ADVOCATE (SPANISH SPEAKING)

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO) is one of the largest prosecutors' offices in the country and has recently launched a number of cutting-edge initiatives and reforms that have put it on the national stage for innovation. We are a team: one that is committed to making our community a safe place to live, work and raise a family. SCDAO is looking for the most qualified candidates to join our ranks, with the objective of recruiting those with diverse backgrounds, a strong work ethic, integrity and a commitment to public service and justice.

In furtherance of the Office’s mission of supporting victims of crimes, particularly child abuse and domestic violence victims, we are currently seeking at least on candidate for the position of Crime Victim Advocate. Crime Victim Advocates are tasked with developing a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures, victim resources and accompanying them throughout the entire court process. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
Under direct supervision, an employee in this class performs paraprofes­sional duties involving both initial and continuing direct, personal contact with victims and/or witnesses for the Victim Witness Assistance Program; and assists the professional staff in case file set-up and maintenance.  The incumbent establishes a working relationship with the victims and witnesses, providing them with necessary information on court procedures and accompanying them throughout the entire court process.  Direct supervision is received from an administrative supervisor.  Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Contacts victims, witnesses and employers by telephone and/or letter con­cerning pre-trial, hearing and trial times, cancellations, grand jury summonses, subpoenas and disposition of cases;

Escorts victims and witnesses to and from trial; attends case from pre- trial hearing through verdict and sentencing;

Answers calls and inquiries concerning case information; explains all hearing and trial procedures;

Writes and sends follow-up letters of notification when necessary;

Recovers evidence from trial that should be returned to the victim/witness;

Performs general clerical activities such as filing and tele­phone coverage;

Arranges for interpreters, transportation, baby-sitters, travel plans and lodging accommodations for victims and witnesses.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Good knowledge of the structure, organization and procedures of the crimi­nal court system; good knowledge of the structure, organization and procedures of the District Attorney's office; working knowledge of the principles and techniques of interviewing; ability to develop and maintain satisfactory working relationships with victims, witnesses, supervisors, fellow employees and the general public; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writ­ing; good powers of observation and perception; good judgment; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. 
COMPENSATION
Starting salary: Approximately $47,000/year 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive

Either:

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or Sociology; or,
           
(b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or Sociology and two (2) years of experience in the delivery of health, social or community services, one (1) year of which must have been in crime victim advoca­cy; or,
(c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and four (4) years of experience in the delivery of health, social or community services, one (1) year of which must have been in crime victim advoca­cy; or,
           
(d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of the above.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
There will be a qualifying Spanish language examination.
 


The Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney reserves the right to change without notice any statement on this page concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, eligibility, recruitment and terms of employment. The Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.