Description

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER (Criminal Court and Family Court)

Dutchess County Public Defender's Office

Salary Range: $89,292-$98,390* (*commensurate with experience/ability)

This is a permanent position in the Dutchess County Public Defender's Office. This is important professional legal work involving responsibility for representing indigent defendants as assigned by the Public Defender. Work involves representation of the defendants through every stage of proceedings following arrest through and including any appeals. In addition to actual representation, employees in this class assist the Public Defender in the investigation, preparation, conduct and appeal in various court and legal proceedings involving indigent defendants. Work is performed in accordance with guidelines provided in law.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Represents and counsels’ defendants at every stage of proceedings following arrest; initiates such proceedings as are necessary to protect the rights of the accused; assists the public defender in the preparation of various court proceedings; confers with defendants, law enforcement officers, judges and district attorneys concerning individual cases; investigates defendant's financial status; prepares pleadings, appeals, and correspondence related to court cases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Admission to practice law in the State of New York.

FINGERPRINTING:

A fingerprint supported background investigation is required before an appointment is made to some positions. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law, the Division of Criminal Justice Services requires that a fee accompany each such request for a search. It is due once a job offer is made and accepted by the applicant

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Eligible for student loan forgiveness 

Retirement - New York State Public Employees Retirement System

Vacation - 20 days, after five years increases to 25 days

Holidays - 13 legal holidays

Insurance - health, vision, and dental for individuals and families, with percent contribution

Life Insurance - 3 times pay after established minimum length of employment, until 70 years of age

 
How to Apply / Contact
For immediate consideration, submit an application on or before 2/6/2026. Apply online at www.dutchessny.gov/jobs, OR Download an application from www.dutchessny.gov/jobs, and mail it to the Dutchess County Department of Human Resources, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601