Investigative Internship | Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Investigative Internship
Location: Upper Marlboro, MD
Closing Date: November 26, 2025



MOPD District 5 Investigative Internship Announcement


I) Introduction

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is seeking detail-oriented applicants with demonstrable acumen for building rapport and engendering trust, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills, to serve as Investigative Interns in our Prince George’s County, Maryland office during the Spring 2026 semester.

This opportunity is open to all juniors and seniors whose chosen major(s) are within the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Please note, this position is specific to MOPD’s District 5 Office (Prince George’s County) and is not the same as the summer internship program offered by the agency as a whole. Please read this announcement in its entirety before applying. Applications that do not meet the criteria defined herein will not be considered.

II) Overview

The 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. Investigations are conducted to develop, gather, or verify information that serves to inform defense counsel’s decision-making. The Investigative Intern interviews defendants, witnesses, and complainants to develop leads and gather information and evidence for the defense’s case. Investigative findings are documented in written reports that are submitted to counsel.

Investigations are conducted in a variety of settings. Interns will be required to conduct in-person interviews with witnesses to obtain and verify information for use by counsel. Appearance in court as a witness may also be required. Additional responsibilities can include conducting background checks on relevant parties, social media and other electronic research, reviewing discovery materials to develop new leads, and serving subpoenas.

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.

III) Duties & Responsibilities

The Public Defender Investigative Intern conducts investigations in cases of alleged criminal conduct by 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 via phone and in-person 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

Travel to locate and interview relevant parties is required. Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.

All applicants must be able to communicate with employees and vendors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able to multi-task, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state.

IV) 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

V) 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

VI) How to Apply

MOPD is currently seeking applicants for the Spring 2026 semester. 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.

All candidates should ensure that their resume reflects how their education and/or experience has qualified them for the role (i.e., What a class taught them about investigation, how a job improved their communications skills). MOPD will not make assumptions regarding a candidate’s qualifications based on information not found in their resume.

If selected, candidates will be subject to an interview prior to final determination. Candidates who are chosen to serve in the Investigative Intern role will be subject to a criminal background check. Failure to successfully pass a background check will result in the candidate’s offer being rescinded.