Victims FAQ

• Is staff available to help me anytime?

  Yes. We are available 24/7, nights, weekends and holidays. However, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or has severe physical injuries, call 911.

• Who contacts me if I opt in for notifications?

  The stage of the case (status) or what the sentence result is, determines the agency responsible. Each agency that is responsible for Victims' Rights is addressed at different stages in the case. 
  
  Law Enforcement (LE), Sheriff's Office (MCSO), Adult Probation Department (APO), the County Attorney (MCAO), Department of Corrections (DOC), Board of Executive Clemency, and the Attorney General (AG) all have legal mandates regarding victims of crime.

• What happens next?

  That depends on whether the crime is a misdemeanor, or a felony, and what jurisdiction the crime occurred in.
  
  Contact the investigating police officer/agency to determine where the case or charge was submitted. If it was submitted to a city or justice court, the charge is probably a misdemeanor. If the crime occurred in Glendale, for example, the City of Glendale court retains jurisdiction.
  
  If the case was submitted to the County Attorney, the charge is probably a felony and Superior Court retains jurisdiction. If it was submitted to US District Court or Federal Court, that court retains jurisdiction.

  The investigating officer should be able to tell you where the case was submitted. You can then contact the City Prosecutor or County Attorney handling the case for more information.

• Are the details of my case kept confidential?

  Yes, except as exempted by Arizona State Statute. Exculpatory Statements—which often clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from alleged fault or guilt—must be reported to the Prosecution.
  
  Discussions with staff are private and confidential. We do not take notes or record conversations. If you are providing an Impact Statement, we draft a letter to be submitted to the courts. Impact Statements are NOT confidential; an Impact Statement is an official document that becomes a part of the court record. A copy will be given to the Judge, Prosecutor and the Defense attorney (Defendant).

  We hold confidentiality in high regard and will not release information. All address and telephone information updated with this agency will not be shared with other agencies. We understand that this creates more work for you to call many agencies with updates, but we hope that you will appreciate the importance we place on protecting your information.

• What kind of assistance can you provide?

  • Assist with the service of Protective Orders 
  • Determine the appropriate Agency to contact for specific requests
  • Explain the judicial system
  • Facilitate process during the Initial Appearance
  • Give current information about next court date and status of the Defendant
  • Notification of Defendant's Release from our custody
  • Provide Information and Resources for current needs

  Our staff is familiar with resources and professionals throughout the community and can direct you to an agency or professional best equipped to provide the assistance you may need.

• What crimes are typically committed against victims?

  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Criminal Trespass
  • Family Offenses/Domestic Violence
  • Homicide
  • Interference with Judicial and Other Proceedings
  • Robbery
  • Sexual Offenses
  • Assault and Related Offenses
  • Criminal Damage to Property
  • Endangerment
  • Forgery and Related Offenses (Credit Card Fraud)
  • Identity Theft
  • Kidnapping and Related Offenses
  • Sexual Exploitation of Children
  • Theft

• What types of releases do defendants typically receive?

  • Own Recognizance (no bail money is paid to the court)
  • Bond Set (involves depositing a sum of money, sometimes in cash or a Surety
  • Bond, using a Bail Bond Agent).
  • Third Party (defendant is released to to a guardian, mental health facility, etc.)
  • Supervised Release (PSA - Pretrial Services) is essentially like having a probation officer while you are waiting court dates.

  Restrictions may include, but are not limited to:

  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Electronic monitoring
  • Curfew
  • House arrest

• Can you show me the stages of a case?

  Yes. The flowcharts below show the typical course of action that happens at each stage of a case.

  • Adult Criminal Case Flowcharts
  • Juvenile Case Flowchart

• What kinds of hearings are there? How are they defined?

  There are several kinds of hearings. This “Hearings Defined” sheet shows the definitions you are likely to encounter.

• What common terms does the court use? Can you explain them to me?

  This Glossary of Legal Terms will help you understand the basic terms used by the court.