Criminal Investigations Intern

 AThe Public Defender Investigative Intern is the in-training level of work conducting investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct for the defense of persons represented by the Office of the Public Defender. Such investigations may involve tasks including, but not limited to, the following: 

• Planning investigations based on available information gleaned from various sources, including defendants’ accounts of events, defense theories provided by counsel, and statements of charges submitted by law enforcement.
   
• Interviewing defendants, witnesses, and victims, both in-person and via phone at various locations including crime scenes, detention centers, private residences, and places of employment. 
   
• Conducting investigative research via social media, public records databases, and various other electronic and documentary sources. 
   
• Documenting investigative findings via written reports and, when required, verbally briefing counsel on investigative progress. 
   
• Providing sworn testimony as a fact witness in criminal court proceedings. 
   
• Service of subpoenas as needed.

Investigative interns follow a fixed schedule, working on site at MOPD’s District 5 office (14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772). Standard working hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM, with additional hours being required to meet the demands of specific cases.

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• Current student in good academic standing with an accredited university. 
   
• Possess strong communication, organizational, and time-management, skills. 
   
• Possess or have uninterrupted access to a reliable motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Maryland.

Desired Qualifications

The following qualifications, while not required, are preferred: 

• Ability to speak and understand Spanish with fluent and/or native-level proficiency.
   
• Possess demonstrable skills in building rapport and engendering trust with others.
   
• Possess experience working or volunteering in the criminal justice system.
   
• Possess knowledge of court processes and procedures, particularly pertaining to criminal trials.

How To Apply

All candidates should submit their resumes to Investigator Dan Lattimore via email at daniel.lattimore@maryland.gov. Please do not attempt to submit applications via the agency website. 

Candidates should ensure their resume accurately highlights their qualifications for the role and/or their preparedness to learn on the job.