The following is a brief description of the process to prosecute an adult accused of committing a felony offense. Most misdemeanor offenses are handled by municipal prosecutors; cases involving minors under the age of 18 are referred to the juvenile court system.

MCAO Adult Criminal Case Process

MCAO Request for Court Records

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The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution says anyone charged with a crime has the right to counsel. The local Veterans Justice Outreach may be able to help the veteran to secure an attorney.

A public defender is a criminal defense attorney who gets paid a salary by the government (federal, state, or local) to argue the cases of indigent or poor defendants who have been charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer. 

Assigned counsel also known as contract counsel, defends those who can't afford an attorney, but these lawyers work in private practice, and the government pays them on a case by case basis.

A recent study concluded that you are not only more likely to go to jail if you have a public defender but you are also more likely to serve a longer sentence. Someone that hires a private attorney receives on average a three-year shorter sentence.

A defense attorney is not your advocate. Most judges are former prosecutors and defense attorneys are apprehensive about defending you against a prosecutor that may become a judge. It is important for the veteran to be proactive in seeking evaluations, mental health services and housing options.

State Bar of Arizona Legal Services

State Bar of Arizona Ethics Department

Community Legal Services

The Veterans’ Advocacy Law Clinic

Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program

Arizona Military Legal Assistance Project 

Free Legal Services

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Case Lookup-Arizona

Inmate Search-Arizona

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MCSO Community Outreach

MCSO Mug Lookup

• Arrange and verify housing options including transitional and rehabilitation programs.

• Arrange employment opportunities for immediate money to pay for incidentals.

• Financial evaluation and plan for first 90 days.

• Prior mental health/substance abuse treatment participation and plans for post-release.

• Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Justice Advocates program choose from a list of clothing to be sent to them before release to wear out. Each veteran is also provided a $100 gift card for use at a local thrift store in their neighborhood.

• In addition, VJA will seek volunteers to pick the veteran up from the yard and escort them to their first destination whether that be a VA-supported transitional program, CRRC or other housing program.

• Each veteran will be provided a care package of hygiene and food products. Each veteran will receive one-to-one assistance in completing any documentation not already completed at release with the proper agencies and see to completion. 

• Assure that any VA benefits and/or disability issues including any issues with Debt Management.

• Finalize a work schedule and transportation including backup plan.

• Provide volunteer and transportation services for probation/parole appointments.

• Secure driver’s license and other Identification including the VA ID card.

• Verify current housing conditions and discuss additional housing options if applicable.

• Verify current employment and discuss additional options if needed to include Voc Rehab.

• Financial evaluation and plan for first year based on first 90 days.

• Prior mental health/substance abuse treatment participation and plans for after care.