Remote Criminal Investigator Jobs
Remote criminal investigator jobs are open across the U.S. at remote-first firms, distributed legal operations teams, and insurance carriers running fully virtual investigation units. Sectors actively hiring include financial services, insurance, and government contracting, with THEODORE P WATSON & ASSOCIATES, Faculty, and State of New Mexico among the companies posting remote openings right now. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Remote Criminal Investigator jobs
Objectives Summary
The Law Offices of the Public Defender, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's legal landscape. While we have a dedicated office in Roswell, NM we wholeheartedly welcome candidates who reside in New Mexico and can telework and manage their cases effectively from a remote location.
Travel to the Roswell office will be required for trials, client visits, and upon the discretion of management.
Your primary focus will be on providing high-quality legal services, developing strategies, and advocating for clients in court. If you’re ready to take the next challenge in your legal career, work with zealous colleagues, and represent clients who need your expertise in Roswell, we welcome you to apply!
Pay Information
***This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually.
Hourly pay differential reflect retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised.***
Average pay ranges from $44.25 - $53.01 per hour
Average pay ranges from $49.90 - $58.53 per hour
Average pay ranges from $56.00 - 70.58 per hour
Join us at LOPD and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits!
Essential Functions
Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 3, 4, or 5 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.
Public Defender 3 (PD3):
- Attorneys at this level should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels attorneys and law clerks.
- Works under the direction and guidance provided by higher level Attorneys and/or Managing Attorney.
- Will conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
Public Defender 4 (PD4):
- Positions at this level handle felony cases such as burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision.
- May handle more complex level felonies with some guidance/direction from a higher level attorney/managing attorney.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and/or experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction from higher level Attorneys.
- Provides guidance and advice to lower level attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
- Performs related and other duties as assigned.
- Positions at this level handle all levels of criminal cases and legal matters including the most complex felonies, including high profile cases, such as capital cases.
- Can act with independence with little guidance.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court.
- Incumbents in positions at this level are recognized as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
- Positions at this level may also provide supervision from a lead work perspective to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels.
- Provides key input into the development of policies and procedures for the assigned organization unit and/or program.
- Trains, coordinates and advises less experienced public defender attorneys to include co-counseling.
- Conducts legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, procedural rules, in preparation of cases.
- Reviews and investigates client cases to determine legal position and propose legal strategy.
- Prepares for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews, preparation of witnesses to testify.
- Researches changes in laws, legislation, rules court decisions, case precedents, to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
- Counsels and advises clients on cases such as pleadings, arraignments, trials, appeals.
- Represents the client in legal matters, such as motions, hearings, litigation and appeals.
- Explains, interprets and keeps client informed on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues and problems.
- Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skill and knowledge.
- Conducts plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Follows through on case by ensuring client release, client payments.
- Performs related work as required.
- Depending on location: may assist with (CLIP) program or coordinate volunteer/intern/extern programs.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at a PD5, PD4, PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD5.
Minimum Qualifications
Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
Employment Requirements
Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Default FLSA: Exempt: (including Managers/Supervisors, Executive, Administrative, Professional Exempt Status): In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding, classifications identified as Exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours worked over 80 hours in a pay period. These classifications are eligible for compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.
This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.
In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees.
*State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees*
- Human Rights Act Poster- PDF file
- New Mexico Job Health and Safety Protection (State OSHA)
- New Mexico Workers' Compensation Act and supply of Notice of Accident (NOA) Forms
- Human Trafficking - (English) (Español) (Navajo)
- Paid Sick Leave - (English) (Español) (Vietnamese) (Diné Navajo) - PDF
- The Whistleblower Protection Act
- Immigrant and Employee Rights Section Right to Work - (English/Español)
New Mexico state minimum wage is $12.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. More information can be read at Minimum Wages Information.
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - (English), (Español)
- Job Safety and Health Protection - (English), (Español)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act - (English), (Español)
- Family Medical Leave Act - (English), (Español)
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - (English), (Espanol)
- Employee Rights under USERRA - (English), (Español)
Please contact LOPD-HR@lopdnm.us for questions.
Objectives Summary
The Law Offices of the Public Defender, we understand the importance of flexibility in today's legal landscape. While we have a dedicated office in Roswell, NM we wholeheartedly welcome candidates who reside in New Mexico and can telework and manage their cases effectively from a remote location.
Travel to the Roswell office will be required for trials, client visits, and upon the discretion of management.
Your primary focus will be on providing high-quality legal services, developing strategies, and advocating for clients in court. If you’re ready to take the next challenge in your legal career, work with zealous colleagues, and represent clients who need your expertise in Roswell, we welcome you to apply!
Pay Information
***This position qualifies for an additional hourly pay differential of $1.30 hourly / $2,704.00 annually.
Hourly pay differential reflect retention pay incentives, as applicable to the position advertised.***
Average pay ranges from $44.25 - $53.01 per hour
Average pay ranges from $49.90 - $58.53 per hour
Average pay ranges from $56.00 - 70.58 per hour
Join us at LOPD and discover a place where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your next adventure awaits!
Essential Functions
Incumbent will be considered for a Public Defender 3, 4, or 5 classification. Classification will be determined at the time of hire based on applicant's job related qualifications and agency critical need.
Public Defender 3 (PD3):
- Attorneys at this level should be able to represent clients in all misdemeanors or juvenile cases and low to medium level felonies with limited supervision.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to lower levels attorneys and law clerks.
- Works under the direction and guidance provided by higher level Attorneys and/or Managing Attorney.
- Will conduct plea bargaining when appropriate with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
Public Defender 4 (PD4):
- Positions at this level handle felony cases such as burglaries, drug crimes, property crimes and probation violations with limited supervision.
- May handle more complex level felonies with some guidance/direction from a higher level attorney/managing attorney.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and/or experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court with some direction from higher level Attorneys.
- Provides guidance and advice to lower level attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Will attend seminars, training classes and review current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports and legal documents.
- Performs related and other duties as assigned.
- Positions at this level handle all levels of criminal cases and legal matters including the most complex felonies, including high profile cases, such as capital cases.
- Can act with independence with little guidance.
- Has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to handle an appellate caseload.
- Has knowledge and experience to prepare appellate briefs and argue cases before the Court of Appeals and for Supreme Court.
- Incumbents in positions at this level are recognized as an expert in one or more areas of criminal law.
- Positions at this level may also provide supervision from a lead work perspective to attorneys at lower levels and conduct in-house training for attorneys.
- Works independently and is able to recognize and resolve complex issues related to the caseload.
- Provide input to the performance review and development of attorneys at lower levels.
- Provides key input into the development of policies and procedures for the assigned organization unit and/or program.
- Trains, coordinates and advises less experienced public defender attorneys to include co-counseling.
- Conducts legal research/analysis of laws, precedents, legal issues, procedural rules, in preparation of cases.
- Reviews and investigates client cases to determine legal position and propose legal strategy.
- Prepares for litigation and appeal through initiation of legal documents, review of case information, obtaining evidence, conducting interviews, preparation of witnesses to testify.
- Researches changes in laws, legislation, rules court decisions, case precedents, to determine/ anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
- Drafts/reviews, proposes and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, legal documents, motions, correspondence, and appeals for clients.
- Counsels and advises clients on cases such as pleadings, arraignments, trials, appeals.
- Represents the client in legal matters, such as motions, hearings, litigation and appeals.
- Explains, interprets and keeps client informed on changes in law, court decisions, legal issues and problems.
- Attends seminars, training classes and reviews current professional literature to maintain and develop professional skill and knowledge.
- Conducts plea bargaining with District Attorneys and other parties to establish agreements to resolve cases.
- Follows through on case by ensuring client release, client payments.
- Performs related work as required.
- Depending on location: may assist with (CLIP) program or coordinate volunteer/intern/extern programs.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform at a PD5, PD4, PD3 level or duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels PD2 through PD5.
Minimum Qualifications
Current licensure as an attorney issued by the New Mexico Supreme Court or eligible for limited license issued by New Mexico Supreme Court and one (1) year of experience as a practicing attorney.
Employment Requirements
Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Default FLSA: Exempt: (including Managers/Supervisors, Executive, Administrative, Professional Exempt Status): In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding, classifications identified as Exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours worked over 80 hours in a pay period. These classifications are eligible for compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at an even (1:1) rate if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid-out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability.
The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition.
This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.
In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees.
*State and Federal Laws - Rights of Employees*
- Human Rights Act Poster- PDF file
- New Mexico Job Health and Safety Protection (State OSHA)
- New Mexico Workers' Compensation Act and supply of Notice of Accident (NOA) Forms
- Human Trafficking - (English) (Español) (Navajo)
- Paid Sick Leave - (English) (Español) (Vietnamese) (Diné Navajo) - PDF
- The Whistleblower Protection Act
- Immigrant and Employee Rights Section Right to Work - (English/Español)
New Mexico state minimum wage is $12.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. More information can be read at Minimum Wages Information.
- Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - (English), (Español)
- Job Safety and Health Protection - (English), (Español)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act - (English), (Español)
- Family Medical Leave Act - (English), (Español)
- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - (English), (Espanol)
- Employee Rights under USERRA - (English), (Español)
Please contact LOPD-HR@lopdnm.us for questions.
See All 12 Remote Criminal Investigator Jobs
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Find JobsRemote Criminal Investigator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in remote criminal investigator jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, accounting, or a related field
- Active or adjudicatable federal security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level
- Prior law enforcement, military, or agency investigative experience
- Proficiency in case management and investigative reporting software
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or similar professional credential
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel for field assignments
Tips for Your Remote Criminal Investigator Job Search
Apply early to remote roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists remote criminal investigator openings from across the U.S. in one place. Check it regularly and apply directly to roles that match your background, remote criminal investigator postings fill fast and early applicants get more attention from hiring managers.
Show your async communication clearly
Remote investigation teams depend on written updates, not verbal check-ins. Build a one-page sample case summary or redacted investigation memo you can share during the application process to show you can communicate findings clearly without in-person context.
Highlight digital evidence and remote interview skills
Remote criminal investigator roles rely on tools like video-recorded witness interviews, digital document review platforms, and cloud-based case management systems. Name the specific tools you have used and describe how you have gathered and preserved digital evidence without being on-site.
Prepare for a structured remote interview process
Remote employers often run multi-stage hiring that includes a written case scenario or take-home assessment before any live call. Practice writing a concise investigation summary under time pressure so you are ready when a written screen appears early in the process.
Remote Criminal Investigator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a remote criminal investigator job?
Target companies that run distributed investigation teams, such as remote-first insurance carriers, fintech compliance units, and federal contracting firms that operate virtually. Remote employers screen heavily for self-direction, clear written communication, and the ability to manage case documentation without in-person oversight. Demonstrating experience with digital evidence gathering, remote interview techniques, and async reporting gives you a real edge over candidates who only list field experience.
Which companies hire remote criminal investigators?
Companies hiring remote criminal investigators right now include THEODORE P WATSON & ASSOCIATES, Faculty, and State of New Mexico, based on current remote listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These tend to be remote-first insurance firms, distributed legal services companies, and federal contractors whose investigation workflows are built around digital case management rather than on-site presence.
Can you get a remote criminal investigator job with no experience?
Yes, but remote entry roles are harder to land because employers expect you to manage cases independently from day one with minimal supervision. Insurance carriers and compliance-focused startups occasionally hire entry-level remote investigators. Candidates can strengthen their application by showing completed coursework in criminal justice or fraud examination, volunteer case work, or certifications like CFE that signal structured self-study and professional seriousness.
Do you need a degree for remote criminal investigator jobs?
Not always. Many remote employers weigh demonstrated investigative skills, digital forensics ability, and a history of producing clear written reports alongside or instead of a degree. Certifications in fraud examination, cybersecurity, or compliance often carry real weight for remote roles where written output and independent judgment matter more than a formal credential from a specific institution.
See All 12 Remote Criminal Investigator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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