Remote Freelance Crime & Courts Journalist

Posted today

guessing headlightsNew York (NY)

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Newspaper Publishers

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$25+/hour

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About the role

We're hiring! Guessing Headlights is looking for a Freelance Crime, Courts & Law Enforcement Journalist with strong news instincts and a knack for uncovering fascinating stories hiding in police reports, court filings, lawsuits, and local news. We're looking for someone who loves finding stories about: Police and law enforcement Crime and criminal cases Courts, trials and sentencing Lawsuits and legal disputes Police pursuits, DUIs and unusual traffic cases Bodycam, dashcam and surveillance video Fraud, scams and alleged schemes Unusual arrests and investigations Incredible details buried in court filings The ideal candidate is curious, knows how to follow a story beyond the initial headline, and enjoys digging through primary sources to uncover the details that make a good story great. Strong reporting, sourcing, and verification skills are important, along with the ability to turn complicated cases into accurate, engaging stories people actually want to read. We're looking for writers interested in contributing on a regular, ongoing basis and becoming part of our freelance team. This is a remote 1099 freelance position starting at $25+/hour, depending on experience. Applicants must be based in the United States. Interested? Email [click apply] with a little about yourself, your journalism experience, availability, and 2–3 relevant writing samples.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.