Dealing with the criminal justice
system can sometimes be confusing.
We hope the following helps answer your questions. We can't
give legal advice, of course, but if you still have questions,
feel free to call us at (520) 740-5600.
Reporting a Crime
Domestic Problems
Going to Trial
Employment Opportunities
Other
Reporting a Crime
Q. How do I report a crime?
If you believe a crime has been committed, you should contact
the appropriate law enforcement agency.
For an emergency anywhere in Pima County, call 911.
If you have information concerning a crime and wish to remain
anonymous, you may call 88-CRIME.
Q. Where do I report consumer fraud?
You can contact either the Arizona Attorney General's Office in
Tucson at 628-6504, or the City Attorney's Office at 791-4886.
For problems with bad checks, contact the County Attorney's Bad
Check Program at 740-4100.
Domestic Problems
Q. What number do I call to report a case to Child Protective
Services?
That number is 1-800-330-1822.
Q. How do I press charges if someone in my home is being
physically or sexually abused?
If this is an emergency, call 911. If not, the County Attorney's
Office receives cases through law enforcement agencies. If the
incident occurred in the city, call the Tucson Police Department
at 791-4444. If the incident occurred in Pima County, call the
Sheriff's Office at 741-4600.
Q. How do I get an Order of Protection to keep my partner from
harming me or my children?
Go to City Court, 103 E. Alameda, 4th Floor, Room 403. Or phone
791-4971. Despite its name, this court serves anyone living in
Pima County.
Q. Whom do I call for landlord/tenant problems?
Legal Aid: 623-9461 (income restrictions apply; priority will be given to tenants who have received written notice from their landlord and to tenants who are at risk of losing Section 8 benefits. The Legal Aid Renter's Guide is available at their office at 64 E. Broadway, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Going to Trial
Q. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by a fine and no more than
six months in jail. A felony is a crime that carries a prison sentence
in the State Department of Corrections for more than one year.
Q. What is the difference between Justice Court and Superior
Court?
Misdemeanor cases occuring in Pima County are tried in
the Pima County Justice Court. Felonies are tried
in the Pima County Superior Court.
Q. What is the penalty for a misdemeanor?
Class 1 misdemeanor: Maximum of 6 months in jail, $2,500 fine,
3 years probation.
Class 2 misdemeanor: Maximum of 4 months in jail, $750 fine, 2
years probation.
Class 3 misdemeanor: Maximum of 30 days in jail, $500 fine, 1
year probation.
There are also petty offenses. The maximum fine for these is
$300.
Q. Where can I get a police report?
If your case is set for a pretrial conference and you are the
defendant, your lawyer will get a free copy. If you want to see the report
more quickly, you may obtain it directly from the law enforcement
agency at a small charge.
If your case is set directly for trial and you are the defendant,
your lawyer may pick up your police report and other disclosures at no
charge on the 9th floor of the Pima County Attorney's Office,
32 N. Stone Ave., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Note that it will not be available until 20 days after your arraignment.
If you are a victim or witness, you can obtain a police report
from the law enforcement agency involved at a small charge.
Q. How can I contact the prosecutor assigned to my case?
If you are a victim or a witness and the charges in your case are misdemeanors,
you can call 740-5658.
In a felony case, call 740-5600. You will need to know the defendant's
name, the court case number, and, if possible, the date of the
next hearing. The prosecutors are often in court all day, so
please be prepared to leave a message with a phone number where
you can be called both before and after 5 p.m.
Q. How can I get restitution for my loss?
If you have suffered a monetary loss, such as damage to your home
or medical bills, because of a crime committed against you, the
judge may order restitution in the amount of your loss if the
defendant was found guilty. If the defendant does not pay the
amount, notify the judge or the prosecutor or file a restitution
lien against the defendant's property.
Q. Do I have to testify at a trial if I don't want to?
If you are the defendant, you have a right to remain silent, and
the judge and jury are not allowed to hold your silence against
you. If you are a witness or victim, however, you must testify.
If you have concerns about testifying, talk to the prosecutor
in the case.
Q. What happens at an arraignment?
This is the first appearance a defendant makes in court unless
the person was taken to jail. The judge will tell the defendant
what the charge is and ask if he or she pleads guilty or not guilty.
Q. What happens at a pretrial conference?
If you are the defendant, the prosecutor and your attorney (or you, if you have
no attorney),
will meet with a judge to focus on the issues of the case, obtain
rulings on motions and deal with other matters that contribute
to a fair and efficient settlement of your case. In addition,
the judge will set a date for the trial.
Q. What should I do if I will be late or can't make a court
appearance?
If you are the defendant, you must attend all court appearances. If you have
a problem
before the day of a misdemeanor trial, you have to file a motion
to get a new court date. Forms are available at the courthouse
at 115 N. Church. If a problem occurs on the day of the trial,
call the judge as quickly as possible. In felony trials, call
your attorney as soon as possible. Note that only the judge can
grant you a continuance
Q. How can I get an attorney if I can't afford to hire one?
If you are the defendant, you don't have to have an attorney for a misdemeanor
trial. For
a felony trial, the judge will determine whether your income makes
you eligible for a court-appointed attorney.
Q. What if I can't pay all of my fine at once?
The judge can set up a time payment program for you, based on
your income. A fee of $20 is required for this service.
Employment Opportunities
Q. How can I apply for a job at the Pima County Attorney's
Office?
The listing of all Pima County open positions is available three
ways:
- It is posted at the Pima
County Service Center, Health & Welfare
Building, 150 West Congress, fourth floor, Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The listing also is available seven days a week, 24 hours
a day, through Pima County Dial-A-Job, 520/740-3530.
- It also is available through the Pima County Bulletin Board
System, 520/740-8032.
The listing is updated every Friday. Look for positions that
are specifically identified as being in the County Attorney's
Office. They are the following:
- Attorney positions in the Criminal, Juvenile or Civil Divisions.
Along with a standard Pima County
application, a supplemental form for attorneys needs to be completed.
They remain on file for six months, and you will be considered
for other openings. A criminal history check and fingerprinting
is required.
- Non-attorney positions are available in all divisions. A
standard county application form needs to be completed. Applications
remain on file for six months, and you will be considered for
other openings. A criminal history check and fingerprinting is
required.
Job titles include:
Litigation Support,
Legal Processing Support,
Legal Secretary,
Legal Aassistant,
Adult Diversion Sspecialist/Victim Witness Advocate,
Criminal Investigator,
Computer Technical,
Administrative Support,
Administrative Services Specialist,
Legal Administrator,
LAN Administrator.
Pima County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information about employment opportunities:
Pima County
Department of Human Resources
150 West Congress
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Other
Q. Do volunteers assist the County Attorney's office with
its responsibilities?
We welcome volunteers, who help with everything from assisting victims of crime,
to filing and helping prosecutors prepare their cases. If you would like to
find out more about how to become a volunteer, call Pat Wiedhopf, Director of
Volunteer Services,
740-5598.
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