Pursuant to Arizona statute the County Attorney’s Office reviews all matters that accuse a minor, an individual under 18 years of age, of committing a delinquent act or a child who is accused of committing an incorrigible act. The accusations are brought to the attention of the County Attorney by the minor being referred physically, actually being brought to the juvenile detention center, or by a paper referral or promise to appear, similar to a written ticket. Upon the receipt of a referral the County attorney has the sole discretion to decide how to pursue the case.

The county attorney has established guidelines for the probation department that allows them, based on the nature of the offense and the lack of referrals of a particular minor, to review the case and meet with the minor prior to that referral coming to the County Attorney’s Office. These are for the most part first or second time misdemeanor referrals and incorrigible offenses. Based on the information they receive the probation department may approve the minor for a risk needs consequence. This can include community service work, teen court, specialized classes, payment of a fine, or participation in the County Attorney’s Community Justice boards. Upon the successful completion of the consequence probation may close the file without any contact with the County Attorney.

The County Attorney has also established that any misdemeanor traffic offense that does not involve alcohol may be handled in the city court of the arresting agencies jurisdiction. Any traffic offense that involves drugs or alcohol are referred directly to the County Attorney for review.