DEFENSE ATTORNEY I/II/III/IV

Annual Salaries:
Defense Attorney I:: $78,260 - $99,892 Annually
Defense Attorney II: $91,338 - $116,584 Annually
Defense Attorney III: $109,590 - $139,854 AnnuallyDefense Attorney IV: $128,258 - $163,722 Annually   Scheduled Salary Increase:
Effective 6/22/26:
2% increase for Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV

The Fresno County Public Defender's Office invites applications for the position of Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV, including opportunities focusing on the intersection of criminal and immigration issues as an Immigration Defense Attorney I/II/III/IV (view flyer).
The Public Defender's Office is dedicated to the full and fair representation of all persons in the community who cannot afford legal counsel and are in danger of being deprived of a liberty interest due to a criminal accusation or other statutorily defined state action.  It is the goal of the Public Defender's Office to protect every client's constitutional rights, to defend against discriminatory treatment and disproportionate punishment, and to ensure that no one who is innocent is ever wrongfully convicted.  The Public Defender's Office provides all mandated legal services in an efficient and cost-effective manner while holding themselves to the highest professional and ethical standards.

SPECIALIZATION INCENTIVE  

A Defense Attorney who completes certification through the California Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist shall receive $274 per pay period in addition to their normal pay.

PERFORMANCE ALLOWANCE – DEFENSE ATTORNEY II/III/IV/SENIOR 

Defense Attorney II/III/IV/Seniors who are demonstrating exemplary performance in a “specialized” assignment may receive an allowance as detailed below as determined by the Public Defender:

• Death Penalty Unit – $400.00 per pay period  
• Major Crimes Unit (Homicide & Sexual Assault) – $300.00 per pay period  
• Domestic Violence and Felony Unit – $150.00 per pay period