Arraignment Attorney

Description:

This is a Exempt overnight Arraignment Attorney position in the Dutchess County Public Defenders Office. This is important professional legal work involving the responsibility for representing indigent defendants at first arraignment as assigned by the Public Defender. The work responsibilities of an Arraignment Attorney involve but are not limited to interviewing clients, contacting family members and friends, reviewing the client's criminal history, and making the appropriate legal arguments to the arraigning magistrate. Arraignment Attorney must be able to work nights and weekends and will be on-call to respond to designated courts to address initial arraignments of criminal defendants who may face possible incarceration. Work is performed in accordance with guidelines provided in law.
Represent criminal defendants at arraignment proceedings; initiate such proceedings as necessary to protect the rights of the accused; assist the public defender in the representation of criminal defendants in legal proceedings; confers with defendants, family members and friends, law enforcement officers, judges and district attorneys concerning individual cases; prepares reports and other legal documents consistent with their assigned duties; participate in Public Defender staff meetings and seminars as directed by the Public Defender; meets with Public Defender on a regular basis to review work progress.
Admission to practice law in the State of New York.

Special Requirement:
Possession of a valid Driver License to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at time of application and to maintain the position.

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