Maricopa County Attorney's Office

Office Locations | Reporting a Crime | Family Issues | Fraud/Consumer Protection Issues | Property/Neighborhood Issues

Being a witness to or victim of a crime can be a very traumatic experience for those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system. Naturally, they have questions. The defendant was arrested; what happens next? What are my rights? Can I get compensation for my hospital bills?, etc. This FAQ page is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the County Attorney's Office and the criminal process.

County Attorney's Office Info

Where is the Maricopa County Attorney's Office located and what are the office hours?
The County Attorney's Office has six offices throughout Maricopa County. Each office is open 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

County Administration Bldg. 301 W. Jefferson Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 506-3411	Southeast Facility 222 E. Javelina Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210 (602) 506-2600
Wells Fargo Bldg. (Check Enforcement Bureau) 100 W. Washington Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 372-7300	Juvenile - Eastside 540 W. Iron Ave., Ste. 110 Mesa, AZ 85210 (480) 962-8002
County Counsel 222 N. Central, Ste. 1100 Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 506-8541	Juvenile - Westside 3131 W. Durango Phoenix, AZ 85009 (602) 372-4000

Reporting a Crime

I feel a crime has been committed. How can I press charges or report the crime?
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.

My neighbor/friend/relative is doing drugs. How can I anonymously report the problem?
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.

Family Issues

I want a divorce and also need help getting child support. Can the County Attorney's Office help me?
The County Attorney's Office cannot provide legal advice or take legal action in your divorce. You should consult with a private lawyer. For matters concerning child support, call the Arizona Department of Economic Security's Child Support Enforcement Department at (602) 252-4045.

I believe my elderly relative is being victimized and/or abused. Who can I contact?
If you think an elderly individual is a victim of abuse, call your local police department. For other crimes committed against an elderly individual, such as telephone scams, contact the Arizona Attorney General's Elder Affairs Program at (602) 542-2124, or visit the Attorney General's Seniors web page.

I am a senior and have a legal question. Where can I get legal advice?
You or a family member on your behalf can call the Elder Law Hotline at (800) 231-5441. The Hotline is sponsored by Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. and the Arizona Supreme Court. Through the Hotline, you can speak with an attorney for free if you are an Arizona resident and are at least 60 years of age. Visit the Elder Law Hotline's web site for more information.

I would like to adopt a child. Can the County Attorney's Office help?
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office handles uncontested adoptions. For more information, see our Adoptions page.

Fraud / Consumer Protection Issues

A business or person who provides labor or services has cheated me. Who can I contact?
If you believe a criminal act has been committed, contact your local police department. The Arizona Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division can answer your questions about civil enforcement, or can refer you to the correct agency. Please call their office at (602) 542-5763.

I have received a bad check as payment for goods or services. Do I have any recourse?
The Maricopa County Attorney's Bad Check Enforcement Program is committed to working with victims in identifying bad check crimes and quickly enforcing full restitution. For more information, visit our Bad Check Enforcement Program page.

Someone has stolen my identity to open a credit card account in my name. Can the County Attorney's Office help?
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office Fraud and Identity Theft Enforcement Bureau was created in August 2004 to combat identity theft crimes. Through this specialized unit, victims of identity theft and related crimes will benefit from newly-enacted Arizona legislation that allows prosecutors to pursue identity theft and computer-related cases that cross jurisdictional lines.

If you believe your are a victim of identity theft, there are four important steps you should take right now:

Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus.
Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
File a report with your local police department.
File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Property / Neighborhood Issues

There is graffiti on a house/building in my neighborhood. Where can I report it?
The Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Community Alliance sponsor a Graffiti Hotline at (602) 262-7327.

Do neighborhood associations have rights as a victim?
Yes, neighborhood associations have rights similar to those of individual victims of crime. By empowering these associations, neighborhoods have input in the criminal justice system. For more information, see our Neighborhood Association Section .

My landlord refuses to return deposits or fix items in my rental property. Do I have any recourse?
For problems concerning rental property in Maricopa County, call the Slumlord Hotline at (602) 372-SLUM or (602) 372-7586. A representative will return your call within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

My rental property is roach-infested or has other health-related problems. Who can I call?
For roach infestation issues, the Maricopa County Environmental Services will review problem situations on a case-by-case basis. Call (602) 506-6616 to report your problem. For other health-related problems with your rental property, call the Neighborhood Services Department of the city in which the property is located.

I am a landlord and have not yet registered my rental property. Where can I go to accomplish this?
The Maricopa County Assessor's Office offers two options: You can register your property online at the County Assessor's web site, or visit the County Assessor's Office at 301 W. Jefferson, ground floor, in Phoenix.