Assistant Public Defender Responsibilities

In the cases where convicts are not able to employ a lawyer, the assistant public defender responsibilities play a major role in the hearing. In every state, there are a number of public defenders and the assistant public defenders help them with various tasks as they prepare for a case.They help in collecting information through various sources to prepare for the case. They perform research and prepare legal documents for the defender and the court. He has to arrange documents from various agencies and personnel to get accurate information about a specific case.

The assistant public defender acts as a mediator and negotiates for the settlement of various disputes. He also informs the clients about their constitutional rights. He acts as a legal counselor to various clients seeking information about the various laws laid by the government and the authorities. He may have to attend various meetings with the police officers, medical officers, forensic experts and other personnel directly or indirectly involved in the case.

Assistant public defender responsibilities are to ensure that the trial is conducted properly. He has to help the defender and the client in every possible way and contribute his knowledge and effort to help the jury to reach a fair conclusion.

Assistant public defender responsibilities have been defined below under different categories.

Key Responsibilities of Assistant Public Defender

Research and Compile Case Information

• An assistant public defender contacts and communicates with the various people and agencies including medical staff, police officers, witnesses, forensic experts, journalists and other people who can provide details of the case.
• He has to cross check and examine the information so collected and authenticate it before including it in the reports.
• He may also visit the crime scene to gather information and prepare case file.

Legal Counseling

• The assistant public defender acts as a legal counselor and advices clients who wish to file a case or appeal for hearing.
• He provides advice to the foster parents.
• He also informs clients about their rights in certain situations. For example, how much compensation will a woman receive from her husband after divorce.
• He helps various organizations by informing them about the environmental laws and whether their business activities violates any law.

Negotiation and Settlement

• The assistant public defender meets the judges to negotiate regarding the sentences. This negotiation is based on various factors and the assistant defender must put strong points to convince the judges.
• He helps the clients in the settlement of disputes outside the courtroom to save their time and expenses.

Supervision and Training

• An assistant public defender supervises the work of other assistant defenders.
• He also trains new staff and law interns in the office.

Assistant public defender responsibilities can be executed only if this individual is able to stay updated with the federal laws.

Skills of an Assistant Public Defender

The assistant public defender needs to be updated with the state and national laws. He must be able to apply these rules without any bias. He must be able to communicate and coordinate with various people in order to gather accurate information pertaining to a case. He must possess excellent analytical, reasoning and problem solving skills.

An assistant public defender is expected to be proficient in a number of applications so that he can perform online research and prepare records and presentations for defenders and jury's reference. He should be able to comprehend legal information and present it in a comprehensive manner.

Becoming an Assistant Public Defender

The minimum qualification required to become an assistant public defender is a license by the state bar of the state where an individual chooses to pursue law or a degree in law combined with relevant work experience.

Career Scope

Assistant public defenders are paid an average compensation of $60,000 that might differ with location. Some employers may pay on an hourly basis while others pay on weekly or monthly basis.

Assistant public defender responsibilities require individuals with the requisite qualifications and experience so that they can provide adequate support for the hearing.