Posting Date

Application Deadline

Pay Range

Job Type

Department

About the Position

An accident reconstructionist defense investigator is a specialized professional responsible for determining the causes, sequence of events, and contributing factors to various types of vehicle accidents. They review and assemble evidence and provide recommendations for further development or investigative steps as warranted. They work with assigned defense teams to determine the best defense strategies and case theories for clients and their cases.

About the Office of the Public Defender

Join one of the largest PD offices in the country. We provide innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford representation. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

• Perform work with a greater purpose

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Growth and stability since 1871

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Exceptional work-life balance

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System

• Paid vacation, sick, and parental (birth/adoption) leaves

• Maricopa County participates in the Arizona State Retirement System. This defined retirement benefit requires a 12.29% monthly contribution rate and includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Extensive wellness program with $60 monthly medical premium discounts

• Employee discounts for goods and services

• Learn more at

We Require

• 3 years of investigative experience with law enforcement, government, or military agency

• High School Diploma or GED

• Demonstrated experience and extensive training as an Advanced Accident Investigator/Reconstructionist

• Documented recognition as a court expert in accident investigation/reconstruction

• Applicants must include in their application a list of all investigative experience and assignments as well as a list of all accident investigation, reconstruction, and DUI training courses

Other Requirements

• 3 years of advanced accident/reconstruction trained, HGN/SFST trained, and DRE trained

• Valid Arizona Driver's License upon hire, have and maintain an acceptable driving record, and be physically capable of operating a vehicle safely

We Also Value

• Knowledge of law enforcement investigative techniques and government relations as they relate to indigent defense administration

• Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas and concepts to others

• Ability to assimilate information from a variety of sources, analyze information, and make or recommend courses of investigation

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the criminal justice system

• Ability to interact tactfully with clients, their families, attorneys, and other professionals

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills and those with criminal defense investigative experience

Job Contributions

• Proactively assist in reviewing vehicle accident, fatality, and DUI cases

• Provide expertise in the development of defense strategies and case theories

• Testify in court and conduct jail visits

• Review case documents and recommend securing additional background information that may be needed for the case (may need to obtain family histories, alibis, and various in-state/out-of-state public, private, and government records)

• Conduct conflict checks

• Locate and interview potential witnesses in defense of criminal cases which may require in-state and/or out-of-state travel

• Update attorneys regularly on progress of investigations and recommendations for further initiatives or preparation of the case

• Conduct field investigations including but not limited to:

  • Vehicle Inspections

  • Taking photos

  • Videotaping

  • Obtaining witness statements, and

  • Preparing courtroom and crime scene diagrams

• Conduct computer inquiries and extensive record searches. Maintain records and documentation.

• Obtain and evaluate physical and documentary evidence

• Prepare oral and written investigative reports.

• Maintain case files and activity logs.

• Interact closely and provide guidance to attorneys by meeting with them to discuss cases and develop further investigative steps as warranted.

• Work with attorneys to investigate cases and develop detailed evidence as appropriate

• Interface with criminal authorities, investigators from other law enforcement agencies, and contacts at other related agencies

• Responsible for the use and maintenance of computers and various types of crash software and programs, cameras, video and recording devices, motor vehicles, and other related equipment

• May be required to serve subpoenas and provide witness transportation

• Based on Office business needs, may be assigned as an investigator to any of the Office's units/groups, including but not limited to:

  • Capital Homicide

  • Trial

  • Early Representation

  • Juvenile in Adult Court, and/or

  • Vehicular

Working Conditions

• Work in dangerous environments such as local roads, highways/freeways, intersections, and around unsafe vehicles

• High volume of work with an emphasis on accuracy

• Viewing and reviewing traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.)

• Assigned multiple cases and tasks with frequent changes and interruptions

• Work alone at times and in close proximity to other investigators and defense teams

• Contact with the public, crime scenes, and criminal defendants are frequent occurrences

• May be required to lift 20 pounds floor to waist; 25 pounds waist to shoulder; 10 pounds shoulder to overhead; carry 25 pounds a distance of 1000 feet; and push/pull 50 pounds a distance of 1000 feet

• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Selection Procedure

• Only the most qualified candidates will be considered

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications

• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile

• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply Now!