Indigent Defense Case Evaluator

Job Description

Job Description

*Salary - Depending on Qualifications*

JOB SUMMARY :

The Indigent Defense Case Evaluator is responsible for interviewing defendants, gathering and verifying financial information, and determining eligibility for court-appointed counsel in accordance with Georgia law, circuit-level policy, and Hall County procedures. This position evaluates applications, prepares orders for judicial review, monitors attorney appointment activity, and ensures accurate case entry and documentation. The Case Evaluator supports the overall quality, efficiency, and accountability of indigent defense services by coordinating with the courts, the Public Defender’s Office, contract attorneys, and the jail.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts indigent defense interviews for all defendants requesting court-appointed counsel at any stage of their case.

• Verifies accuracy of financial details using multiple county and state systems.

• Determines eligibility for Indigent Defense services in Magistrate, State, Superior, and Juvenile Courts.

• Reviews complexity, seriousness, and special case circumstances for attorney assignment.

• Identifies, documents, and tracks conflicts of interest.

• Prepares approval and denial letters and maintains defendant files.

• Conduct indigent defense interviews for all criminal defendants that request court appointed counsel during

any stage of their case(s).

• Verify all information (i.e. family size, debts, income, and assets) using multiple programs while processing

applications for Magistrate, State, Superior, and Juvenile Courts.

• Evaluate applications to determine eligibility for Indigent Defense services.

• Review complexity, severity, and special circumstances of cases to ensure appropriate attorney assignment.

• Create and track all Judicial Orders for signature and filing of the same in the appropriate court.

• Identify and track potential conflicts of interest and recommend conflict attorney appointment.

• Prepare, mail, and track approval/denial letters to defendants.

• Receive and scan all inmate correspondence to defendants file and copy to Department Director.

• Prepare and transmit daily reports of inmates requested for virtual interviews to jail.

• Attend and interview all incarcerated defendants daily in First Appearance at the jail before Magistrate Court.

• Manage daily entries for all criminal cases in Hall County in ICON and Magistrate Manager programs.

• Manage daily attorney entries in qualified court appointed criminal cases in Hall County in ICON and

Magistrate Manager programs.

• Prepare, send, and track all Public Defender appointments.

• Complete and maintain all Indigent Defense Defendant files.

• Sends daily reports to the jail for virtual interview scheduling.

• Conducts daily in-person interviews at First Appearance.

• Processes inmate correspondence and scans documentation.

• Case Entry, Orders, and Documentation

• Creates and files Judicial Orders for indigence determination and attorney appointment.

• Enters and maintains accurate case and attorney data in ICON and Magistrate Manager.

• Prepares and tracks Public Defender appointment packets.

• Prepares and updates calendars for indigent defense matters.

• Attends court proceedings as required.

• Tracks indigent defense coverage for State Court.

• Conducts video conference interviews when necessary.

• Coordinates with Public Defender’s Office to confirm conflicts.

• Assigns conflict attorneys and maintains conflict logs.

• Track Public Defender conflicts and maintain conflict report

• Schedule first appearance rotation among staff

• Financial Administration

• Receives and tracks client payments and reimbursement agreements.

• Verifies and processes invoices.

• Tracks attorney invoices and reimbursement payments.

• Reporting & Administrative Support

• Creates and maintains reports for Public Defender, Juvenile Court, and annual program metrics.

• Maintains office calendar and supply ordering.

• Provides customer service and responds to inquiries.

• Work with Director to create and track yearly reports

• Maintain Public Defender report

• Create and maintain office calendar

• Create and submit office supply orders

• Assist the public and answer phones

• Regular and predictable attendance is required

• Perform other related duties as assigned

• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Public Administration, Psychology, Business Administration, or related field required.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of three years office or administrative experience.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.

• Must be proficient in using Microsoft Office.

Experiential requirements include three years of office experience and/or any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Georgia Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required

• Knowledge of criminal justice procedures and indigent defense systems preferred

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities

ADA Minimum Qualifications Required

Physical Ability Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion; concentrate on tasks; remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions; and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others, meet deadlines, and stay organized.

Essential functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office and to move/transport items weighing at least 15 lbs.

Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours.

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require effective verbal and written communication, as well as hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position require the ability to work with others and/or independently.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks beyond those stated in this specification.