Public Defender

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY: The Public Defender is responsible for carrying out faithfully the duties of this office to the best of his/her ability, and to cooperate, promote and protect the best interest of the members of the Pawnee tribe. The Public Defender is primarily responsible for representing indigent individuals in criminal matters before the court.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: The Public Defender shall be a member in good standing of any State Bar Association or a graduate of any American Bar Association approved law school.

The Public Defender shall serve a three (3) year terms of office beginning from the date of their confirmation and until their successors take office, unless removed for cause, or by death or resignation.

1. Representation of indigent adults and juveniles in criminal matters.
2. Representation of parents in neglect and deprived actions before the court.
3. Representation of juveniles in the capacity of guardian ad litem.
4. Represents indigent Indian individuals at bench trials.
5. Negotiates plea agreements.
6. Files motions, seeks places for defendants to perform community service, locates counseling to address client needs, explores alternatives to incarceration and investigates defendant's cases.
7. The Public Defender may be called upon to counsel with tribal citizens residing within the jurisdiction of the Pawnee Nation.
8. Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Compensation is $400 per Court Date.