The attorney filling this position will act as court-appointed counsel representing indigent people in the courts of Cowlitz County.  The attorney will represent clients in all phases of criminal proceedings, including first appearance, arraignment, pretrial hearings, trial preparation and investigation, plea negotiations, trial and sentencing.  The attorney may also represent clients on probation violations. The attorney will In the future, the attorney may represent indigent clients in involuntary commitment, truancy, Youth at Risk, CHINS, and dependency proceedings.  The Office of Public Defense represents people charged with criminal law violations in Superior Court (both adult and juvenile) and in District Court.

The current opening is in the Juvenile Division of Superior Court, representing individuals on Juvenile Delinquency matters. The attorney will assist attorneys representing children in dependencies and other civil juvenile matters.  Attorneys can assist on cases outside of the designated case assignment. Case assignments may transfer as needs of the office change. The attorney will also assist management and other staff as directed.  All attorney must comply with legal standards and requirements and abide by the Standards of Indigent Defense in the Washington Court Rules.

For more information, including how to apply, click here.