Skagit County Public Defender represents indigent clients in Skagit County District Court, Superior Court, and Juvenile Court. Our Office represents adult and juvenile clients facing misdemeanor criminal charges, felony criminal charges, juvenile status offenses, civil contempt of court, and civil mental health involuntary treatment commitments. Our office is located in Mount Vernon, WA.

We are seeking licensed private investigators to work with our office as independent contractors. Investigation services can include, but are not limited to: interviewing witnesses (civilian and law enforcement), locating witnesses, serving subpoenas, taking photos, drawing diagrams, locating and collecting records, collection of evidence, and report writing. Investigation work requires the ability to review and analyze police reports, evidence, and other discovery such as body cam footage. Investigators may be required to testify in court. Strong, professional communication skills are essential, both to communicate with our office and the public that you interact with on our behalf. Investigators work closely with the assigned attorney.

Skagit County Public Defender contracts with several independent contractor defense investigators. We are currently looking to expand our investigator pool.

Compensation: Investigation services are compensated at $65 an hour, with premium pay of $75 an hour for work conducted in a second language that the investigator is proficient or fluent in. Out of pocket expenses and mileage will be reimbursed. Investigators are expected to invoice their services monthly, and are typically paid within 30 days. Investigators who contract with us are not guaranteed a minimum amount of hours or work. While no minimum work is guaranteed, investigators who work with us often work between 20-100 hours a month. Work is assigned based on your availability, responsiveness, experience, quality of work product, and quality of communication.

Qualifications:

· Holds a PI Agency license or have a PI license under an active agency in good standing.

· Have a business license.

· Maintain commercial general liability or professional liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.

· Proficiency to read, write, and speak in Spanish is highly desired.

RFQ Process:

If you are interested in contracting with the Skagit County Public Defender, please submit the following:

· a letter of interest, outlining your experience and qualifications

· a writing sample

· copy of your resume

· contact information for two professional references

Submit to:

Jeri Chavez, Director

Skagit County Public Defender jerib@co.skagit.wa.us

Skagit County reserves the right to amend this Request for Qualifications and reserves the right to refrain from contracting with any and all applicants. This Request for Qualifications does not obligate Skagit County to contract for the services specified here.