Frequently Asked Questions
Reporting a Crime
Q: I feel a crime has been committed. How can I press charges or report the crime?
A: The primary investigative agency for a crime is the municipal police department. Crimes should be reported to the police department in the area where the crime occurred. For example, crimes committed in Tempe should be reported to the Tempe Police Department. If there is no municipal police department in your area of Maricopa County, the crime should be reported to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Once the police department completes the initial investigation, the report is filed with the correct prosecuting agency. The reviewing prosecutor decides what charge(s), if any, will be issued.
Q: My neighbor/friend/relative is doing drugs. How can I anonymously report the problem?
A: An investigation by the local police department or sheriff's office needs to take place before the case is submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Please contact the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the crime was committed. Persons charged with possession of an illegal narcotic have the opportunity to enter a drug diversion program in conjunction with the Treatment and Assessment Screening Center.
Back to top
Being a Victim of a Crime
Q: Police have arrested the person I believe committed the crime against me. What happens next?
A: Every victim is assigned a victim advocate to assist you during the processing of your case. Victims have the right to privileged communication with a Crime Victim Advocate who will provide counseling, treatment, or other supportive assistance. Because the Maricopa County Attorney's Office is a prosecutor's office and not a counseling agency, Victim Services Advocates with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office are not Crime Victim Advocates under the law. Victim Services Advocates act as a liaison between you - the victim -- and the prosecutor. Advocates primarily assist you by providing criminal justice information and victims' rights-related services.
Back to top
Q: I am a victim. Can I drop the charges?
A: Many people incorrectly believe a victim has the power to "press charges" or "drop the charges" against the accused. All crimes are considered offenses against the State, not only the victim; therefore, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal complaints on behalf of the State of Arizona. Only the attorney prosecuting the case can decide to file or dismiss charges, though the victim's opinion is important in that decision. A variety of factors are taken into account when deciding whether to honor a victim's request not to proceed with prosecuting, including the nature and extent of the defendant's criminal history, the severity of the alleged crime, whether the defendant has other pending charges in the criminal justice system, and future danger to the community.
Back to top
Q: What are my rights as a victim?
A: Article 2 Section 2.1 of the Arizona State Constitution provides for the right of victims of a crime. Visit our Victims' Bill of Rights page for a list of those rights. A victim has rights after the arrest or formal charging of the person responsible for a criminal offense. If the final termination of a criminal prosecution is by dismissal with prejudice or acquittal, the victim no longer is entitled to such rights. If the defendant received a sentence of probation, jail or prison on the charge which affected the victim, the victim has rights until the defendant has completed his sentence.
Back to top
Q: I am a victim of a violent crime. Will the prosecuting attorney pay for my hospital bills and lost wages?
A: The Arizona Crime Victim's Compensation Fund may be able to help you with out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses, loss of support and mental health. Visit our Victim Compensation page for more information.
Back to top
Q: I am having trouble dealing with the emotional impact of the crime. Where can I get counseling?
A: Violent crimes often leave more emotional scars than physical ones. To find a counselor near you, call the Community Information and Referral Service's 24-Hour Information and Referral Hotline at (602) 263-8856.
Back to top
Q: Can I look up my court case from this web site?
A: The Maricopa County Attorney's Office web site contains only general information about the court process in Maricopa County. You can obtain information about a particular case as well as court calendar information from the Maricopa County Superior Court's Public Access to Court Information page.
Back to top
Q: I need legal advice. Can I speak to an attorney?
A: The Maricopa County Attorney's Office cannot give legal advice on private legal issues. However, there are free or reduced rate legal clinics available in Maricopa County. For more information, contact Community Legal Services (Legal Aid) at (602) 258-3434.
Back to top
Q: Who can I contact about getting orders of protection or injunctions of harassment?
A: Orders of Protection can be issued by a justice of the peace, municipal or superior court judge. For an online tour of how to get an Order of Protection, visit the Phoenix Municipal Court Order of Protection Virtual Tour. For more information, call the Domestic Relations section of the Maricopa County Superior Court at (602) 506-1561.
Back to top
