Public Defender Investigator

State of North Carolina

. Investigate serious misdemeanor and felony cases involving indigent defendants .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeNorth Carolina • United StatesJunior💰 $52,217 - $79,057 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in criminal law and investigative techniques, with strong abilities in evidence collection, report preparation, and witness coordination. Proficient in managing complex investigations and effectively communicating with diverse individuals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Criminal Law KnowledgeEvidence Collection TechniquesInvestigative SkillsEffective CommunicationReport Preparation

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Evidence CollectionInvestigation TechniquesReport WritingCase AnalysisWitness PreparationCriminal History ResearchBond Reduction AssessmentPhotography of Crime ScenesLegal Document PreparationInformation Extraction

Soft Skills

Oral CommunicationWritten CommunicationOrganizational SkillsAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

Word Processing SoftwareLegal Research Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Criminal JusticeJudicial SystemLegal InvestigationsIndigent DefenseWitness Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Investigate serious misdemeanor and felony cases involving indigent defendants
Collect information to verify evidence or substantiate innocence
Visit incarcerated clients for initial interviews and assess the appropriateness and expedition of bond reduction
Determine relevant facts, opinions, and background information from witnesses
Prepare written reports and evaluate information with assigned attorneys
Photograph, measure, and draw crime scenes to scale
Arrange defense expert witnesses, review credentials, evaluate jury effectiveness, and coordinate evidence delivery
Research criminal histories of defendants, witnesses, and potential jurors
Ensure witnesses appear at trial and assist with witness preparation
Assist counsel with case facts during trial
Conduct special investigations as directed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably in law, criminal justice, psychology, or sociology
One year of experience in legal, judicial, law enforcement, or investigative work
An associate degree with three years of experience in the mentioned fields may substitute for the four-year college degree
Other combinations of education and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered
Knowledge of criminal law and the local court system
Knowledge of evidence collection, investigation, and identification techniques and procedures
Ability to extract information from information sources
Computer and word-processing skills to prepare reports, motions, orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents
Effective oral and written communication with people of diverse backgrounds
Ability to plan and organize investigations of complex cases and independently develop leads
Ability to schedule work to achieve results on time
Ability to prepare clients, families, and witnesses for court
Ability to work irregular hours
Ability to make pertinent observations and analyze them in relation to case charges
Valid North Carolina driver's license required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal Opportunity Employer
Reasonable accommodation for employees and applicants with disabilities, pregnancy-, childbirth-, related medical conditions, and religious beliefs, observances, and practices
E-Verify employment eligibility verification