Arraignment Attorney

Dutchess County Public Defender

Salary: $359.00 per shift

This is a Exempt overnight Arraignment Attorney position in the Dutchess County Public

Defenders Office. This is important professional legal work involving the responsibility for

representing indigent defendants at first arraignment as assigned by the Public Defender. The

work responsibilities of an Arraignment Attorney involve but are not limited to interviewing

clients, contacting family members and friends, reviewing the client’s criminal history, and

making the appropriate legal arguments to the arraigning magistrate. Arraignment Attorney

must be able to work nights and weekends and will be on-call to respond to designated courts to

address initial arraignments of criminal defendants who may face possible incarceration. Work

is performed in accordance with guidelines provided in law.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Represent criminal defendants at arraignment proceedings; initiate such proceedings as necessary

to protect the rights of the accused; assist the public defender in the representation of criminal

defendants in legal proceedings; confers with defendants, family members and friends, law

enforcement officers, judges and district attorneys concerning individual cases; prepares reports

and other legal documents consistent with their assigned duties; participate in Public Defender

staff meetings and seminars as directed by the Public Defender; meets with Public Defender on a

regular basis to review work progress.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Admission to practice law in the State of New York.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a valid Driver License to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at time of

application and to maintain the position.

FINGERPRINTING: A fingerprint supported background investigation is required before an

appointment is made to some positions. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law, the

Division of Criminal Justice Services requires that a fee accompany each such request for a

search. It is due once a job offer is made and accepted by the applicant.

For immediate consideration, submit an application on or before 2/6/2027

Apply online at www.dutchessny.gov/jobs,

OR

Download an application from www.dutchessny.gov/jobs,

and mail it to the Dutchess County Department of Human Resources, 22 Market Street,

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

An EEO/AA Employer

Posted: 2/3/2026