News Flash

MCAO Latest News

Posted on: March 20, 2020

Ensuring Justice During the COVID-19 Crisis

Header Allister Adel

----- En Español -----

Written in stone across the front of the Maricopa County Superior Courthouse is the statement, “The first duty of society is justice.” And while thousands of people pass under these words every day, few stop to think about how important these words are to our democracy.
 
For most, the idea that the fundamental function of government is to keep everyone safe, is only relevant when government services are not readily available. During times of uncertainty, it becomes more important than ever that the criminal justice system has the ability to protect the community from those who seek to do harm.
 
At more than 1,000 strong, the employees of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office live these ideals every day. Working for an entity that is constitutionally-mandated to serve the citizens of this county is something everyone in this office takes seriously.
 
In the past week, the work of MCAO employees has been extraordinary. While we are not on the front lines fighting this deadly pandemic in healthcare, we are on the front lines of a criminal justice system facing a crisis not experienced in generations.
 
We have been working around the clock to ensure the rights of defendants and victims alike are protected, while honoring our role to stop the spread of this deadly disease. Our office has reduced our workplace footprint by almost half. Prosecutors, paralegals, and administrative support are using technology at home to do their part to reduce community spread of COVID-19.
 
The residents of Maricopa County can also be proud of the work being done behind the scenes to respond and react to this constantly changing situation. Comprised of the courts, law enforcement, jails and prisons, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and victim advocates; citizens can be confident that the Maricopa County Criminal Justice System is operating in a collaborative and responsible manner.
 
I also applaud the steps leadership in the Judiciary have taken to reduce the number of people in our courthouses. Latest numbers show that the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County has reduced court visits by 40% in the past week with the use of technology. They have been able to temporarily modify business operations with the least disruption to services, while upholding everyone’s Constitutional and statutory rights.
 
Within the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, I have directed staff to address the following priorities:

  • When charging cases, look at the nature of the crime, the criminal history of an offender, and input from victims; and then balance this information with the need to reduce the number of individuals interacting with the criminal justice system at this time.
  • Assess and respond appropriately to motions from defense counsel on a case-by-case basis who seek to modify release conditions related to complications from COVID-19.
  • Ensure sound legal advice to county departments as they face a myriad of legal issues never before considered when facing a crisis like this.
  • Work collaboratively to ensure victims have the ability to attend telephonic court hearings and keep them informed on the status of their case.
  • Assess the effects of social distancing expectations on diversion programs and those who seek treatment for substance abuse and/or behavioral health issues.

 
During times of public uncertainty, it is more important than ever that our criminal justice system operates efficiently and fairly.
 
We understand the totality of this pandemic is going to challenge us in ways we never could have imagined. However, we will weather this public health crisis without abandoning our duty to protect this community.
 
Let’s take care of each other and have confidence that we will continue to take care of you.
 
Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel


 



Escrito en piedra a través de la entrada de la tribunal superior del Condado de Maricopa existe la frase, “El primer deber de la sociedad es la justicia.” Y mientras miles de personas pasan por debajo de esta frase todos los días, pocos toman nota de la importancia que estas palabras tienen para nuestra democracia.
 
Para muchos, la idea de que la función fundamental de un gobierno es el mantenimiento de la seguridad pública nada más aplica cuando esos servicios gubernamentales no están disponibles. Durante estos tiempos de incertitud, es importante más que nunca que el sistema de justicia penal tenga la habilidad de proteger la comunidad contra aquellos que buscan hacer mal.
 
Con más de 1,000 empleados, la oficina de la Fiscalía del Condado de Maricopa sigue estos ideales todos los días. Trabajar para una entidad que tiene un mandato constitucional para servir los ciudadanos de este condado es algo que todos en esta oficina tomamos seriamente.
 
En la última semana, el trabajo de los empleados de la Fiscalía del Condado de Maricopa a sido extraordinario. Aunque no estamos enfrente de la lucha médica contra es enfermedad mortal, estamos al frente del sistema de la justicia penal en una crisis que no se ha experimentado en generaciones.
 
Hemos estado trabajando las 24 horas del día para garantizar que se protejan los derechos de los acusados y las víctimas por igual, y al mismo tiempo queremos honrar nuestra parte en detener la propagación de esta enfermedad mortal. A consecuencia, hemos reducido el número de trabajadores en nuestra oficina por casi mitad. Los fiscales, asistentes legales y nuestro apoyo administrativo están utilizando tecnología en su hogares para reducir la propagación comunitaria de COVID-19.
 
Los residentes del Condado de Maricopa también pueden estar orgullosos del trabajo que se ha hecho entre bastidores para responder y reaccionar a esta situación que cambian constantemente. Compuesto por los tribunales, la policía, las cárceles y prisiones, los fiscales, los abogados defensores y los defensores de las víctimas; los ciudadanos pueden confiar que el Sistema de la Justicia Penal del Condado de Maricopa está operando de manera colaborativa y responsable.
 
Aplaudo los pasos que ha dado el liderazgo en el Poder Judicial para reducir el número de personas en nuestros tribunales. Las últimas cifras muestran que la Rama Judicial de Arizona en el Condado de Maricopa ha reducido las visitas judiciales por 40% en la semana anterior con el uso de la tecnología. Han podido modificar temporalmente sus operaciones con la menor interrupción a sus servicios, y al mismo tiempo siguiendo a defender los derechos constitucionales y estatutarios del público.
 
Dentro de nuestra oficina, la Oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Maricopa, he ordenado a nuestros empleados que aborden las siguientes prioridades:

  • Al decidir casos, que miren el carácter del crimen, la historia criminal de un delincuente y la opinión de las víctimas. Después, tomar esta información y encontrar un balance con la necesidad de reducir el número de personas que interactúan con el sistema de la justicia penal.
  • Caso por caso, evaluar y responder adecuadamente a las peticiones de los abogados defensores que buscan modificar las condiciones de liberación relacionadas con complicaciones de COVID-19.
  • Asegurar un buen asesoramiento legal a los departamentos del condado que se enfrentan con una variedad de problemas legales nunca antes considerados durante un crisis como este.
  • Trabajar en colaboración para garantizar que víctimas tengan la capacidad de participar en audiencias judiciales telefónicas y que se mantengan informadas sobre el estado de su caso.
  • Evaluar los efectos de las expectativas del distanciamiento social en los programas de desvío y en aquellos que buscan tratamiento para el abuso de sustancias y problemas de salud conductual.

En estos tiempos de incertidumbre pública, es más importante que nunca que nuestro sistema de justicia penal funcione de una manera eficiente y justa.

 Estamos conscientes que esta pandemia nos va afectar de maneras que nunca podríamos haber imaginado. Sin embargo, vamos a seguir trabajando durante esta crisis de salud pública sin abandonar nuestro deber de proteger esta comunidad.

 Hay que cuidarnos el uno al otro y tengan confianza que vamos a seguir cuidándolos a ustedes.

 Fiscal del Condado de Maricopa Allister Adel

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in MCAO Latest News

Photo of a baby tiger.

Defendant Selling Wild Tiger Cub Indicted

Posted on: February 28, 2023
MCAO Seal

Thank You for Your Service

Posted on: February 1, 2023
MCAO Seal

No Charges for Officer Conduct

Posted on: January 30, 2023
Photos of MCAO employees

A Year in Review

Posted on: December 20, 2022
MCAO Seal

MCAO Wins Big at the 2022 APAAC Awards

Posted on: August 29, 2022
Website Graphics (1)

Help Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts

Posted on: August 22, 2022
A person reaching for a pair of car keys after they've been drinking.

Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July

Posted on: June 28, 2022
Tori posing in front of a background and flags

K-9 Victim Advocate Tori is Retiring!

Posted on: April 26, 2022

MCAO’s Citizens Academy Is Back!

Posted on: March 28, 2022
MCAO Seal

Meet our New Community Affairs Coordinator

Posted on: February 21, 2022
Teens

Stay Aware of Teen Dating Violence

Posted on: February 14, 2022
New employee meeting other employees at new job

Start the Year with a New Career

Posted on: January 19, 2022
MCAO Seal

MCAO Year in Review

Posted on: December 21, 2021
An image of caution tape and police sirens

Year in Review: 2021 Crime Trends

Posted on: December 14, 2021
A family gathering around their holiday decorations

Holiday Home and Travel Safety

Posted on: December 6, 2021
Woman shopping online for holiday gifts

Get Gifts, Not Scams this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 22, 2021
Phone Scams

How to Avoid Scams Calls

Posted on: November 15, 2021
Photo of soldier holding an American flag

Honoring All Who Serve on Veterans Day

Posted on: November 10, 2021
Photo of the twin towers

20th Anniversary of September 11th

Posted on: September 10, 2021
Image of girl with the text

Talk to Teens About Substance Abuse

Posted on: August 23, 2021
A man stealing a wallet out of someone's backpack

Practice Personal Safety in Layers

Posted on: August 16, 2021
Two students reading over documents

Internship Opportunities at MCAO

Posted on: July 29, 2021
Someone looking into a parked vehicle

Keep Your Vehicle Safe this Summer

Posted on: July 5, 2021
Utility Scams

Summer Safety Series: Utility Scams

Posted on: June 21, 2021
Three Children Holding Hands

National Missing Children's Day

Posted on: May 24, 2021
Student wearing graduation cap and gown

A Career in Public Service

Posted on: May 4, 2021
Aisha Robertson, Legal Support Assistant, MCAO Victim Services Division

Employee Spotlight: Aisha Robertson

Posted on: April 26, 2021
Victim Advocates

The Importance of Victims’ Rights

Posted on: April 22, 2021
Lady Justice

Understanding Victims’ Rights

Posted on: April 19, 2021
Protect Your Vehicle From Theft

Spring Break Tips: Prevent Car Theft

Posted on: March 15, 2021
Report Graffiti

Report Graffiti in Your Community

Posted on: February 22, 2021
Protect Your Identity

Have You Checked Your Credit Report?

Posted on: March 29, 2021
Online Dating

Swipe Safe with These Online Dating Tips

Posted on: February 8, 2021
Woman Cleaning Counter

Labor Trafficking amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on: January 25, 2021
MCAO Building

A Year in Review at MCAO

Posted on: December 23, 2020
Crime Scene Tape

2020 Snapshot: Crime Across the Valley

Posted on: December 7, 2020
Man placing Credit Card info into Laptop

Shop Safely Online this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 30, 2020
Female domestic violence victim packing suitcase with clothing

Make a Safety Plan to Get Out

Posted on: October 19, 2020
Teen Girl Texting

Remind Teens to Think Before They Send

Posted on: September 28, 2020
County Attorney Allister Adel

Body-Worn Camera Request

Posted on: September 23, 2020
Online Bully

Online Bullying During COVID

Posted on: September 21, 2020
Animal Cruelty

Report Animal Abuse to Law Enforcement

Posted on: September 14, 2020
Labor Day DUI Reminder

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend Safely

Posted on: September 3, 2020
Pills on table

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on: August 31, 2020
Contact-Tracing

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams

Posted on: July 23, 2020
Two Girls on Laptops

What are the risks of livestreaming?

Posted on: July 13, 2020
Prosecutor

What is a Prosecutor?

Posted on: June 25, 2020
Man Vaping

Vaping Warning Signs for Parents

Posted on: June 18, 2020
Opioids

Help Prevent Opioid Abuse at Home

Posted on: June 16, 2020
Sunset Over Canal and Homes

Keep Your Home Safe this Summer

Posted on: June 4, 2020
Looking through a car windshield at night. The lights are blurred.

Don’t Graduate into a DUI

Posted on: May 19, 2020
Happy Mothers Day

Honoring MCAO Moms

Posted on: May 8, 2020
COVID-19 Stimulus Check Scams

Stimulus Check Scams

Posted on: May 7, 2020
National Law Day 2020

It’s National Law Day

Posted on: May 1, 2020
Angela Andrews

Collaboration is Key

Posted on: April 30, 2020
Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Posted on: April 24, 2020
Heather Kirka

Charging Ahead and Working Together

Posted on: April 23, 2020
Census form on flag

We All Benefit When We Respond

Posted on: April 16, 2020
Brittany Hogard

Keeping the Wheels of Justice Rolling

Posted on: April 15, 2020
Person typing on computer keyboard

Be a Smart Online User

Posted on: April 13, 2020
Avoid Coronavirus Scams

COVID-19 Scam Awareness

Posted on: March 30, 2020

Community Outreach Highlights

Posted on: March 1, 2020
Allister with Female Staff

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Posted on: March 1, 2020
2020 Census Advertisement - Shape your Future, Start Here

YOU Count: Fill Out the Census Today

Posted on: March 1, 2020

Update On Petersen Investigation

Posted on: December 11, 2019

MCAO Honors Our Veterans

Posted on: November 8, 2019

Dion Earl Found Guilty on All Charges

Posted on: August 22, 2019

MCAO Launches Community Grants Webpage

Posted on: August 12, 2016

Update on Green Acre Dog Boarding Deaths

Posted on: September 22, 2014

National Geographic - Taboo

Posted on: August 31, 2012