Attorney's Office

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) plays a vital role in ensuring justice and safety for the residents of Maricopa County, Arizona. Serving a population of nearly four million people, this office is tasked with handling the prosecution of criminal cases, offering legal services to the county government, and supporting victims through various initiatives. From felony prosecutions to civil services for county agencies, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office upholds the law, ensuring that criminal activities are addressed with the full extent of the law.

In this article, we will explore the functions, structure, and key initiatives of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, shedding light on how it serves the community, its leadership, and the various specialized divisions within the office. Whether you are a resident of Maricopa County seeking information on legal services, or someone in need of assistance with criminal justice processes, this guide will offer an in-depth look into the workings of the MCAO.

Leadership of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office: Rachel Mitchell

At the helm of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is Rachel Mitchell, an Arizona native with extensive experience as a prosecutor. With over 30 years in the legal field, Mitchell has earned national recognition for her efforts to fight for justice, particularly in areas like child safety and sex crimes. She has spearheaded significant initiatives that focus on prosecuting complex criminal cases, including those related to child abuse, sex trafficking, and the safety of vulnerable populations.

Under her leadership, the office has adopted aggressive strategies to combat the growing fentanyl crisis, address teen violence in East Valley communities, and strengthen the rights of crime victims. As the chief prosecutor, Mitchell's dedication to justice has made a significant impact on the residents of Maricopa County.

For more about Rachel Mitchell, visit her profile on the Maricopa County Attorney's Office website.

The Maricopa County Attorney is an elected official, empowered by the Arizona State Constitution and several statutes, including A.R.S. § 11-401 and A.R.S. § 11-531. The County Attorney is responsible for prosecuting all felony crimes that occur in the county, as well as misdemeanors in unincorporated areas. This includes handling cases of domestic violence, drug trafficking, theft, homicide, and more.

In addition to criminal prosecution, the Maricopa County Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and all county departments. This includes providing legal guidance on a range of matters such as public records requests, procurement laws, and intergovernmental agreements. Through its broad legal responsibilities, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is instrumental in ensuring the proper functioning of county government.

Criminal Prosecution: Divisions and Specialized Bureaus

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is divided into several specialized divisions and bureaus, each handling specific aspects of criminal law. These divisions ensure that cases are prosecuted efficiently and effectively while addressing the unique needs of various criminal categories.

Prosecution Division: Ensuring Accountability for Serious Crimes

The Prosecution Division is responsible for handling the prosecution of all criminal cases, including felonies and misdemeanors. Within this division, cases such as murder, assault, fraud, and property crimes are handled by skilled prosecutors who work to hold offenders accountable.

One key component of the Prosecution Division is the Capital Litigation Bureau, which is tasked with handling death penalty cases and appeals. This bureau represents the state in cases where the prosecution seeks the death penalty, ensuring that due process is followed while delivering justice.

Specialized Bureaus: Targeting Specific Crime Types

Several bureaus within the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office focus on specialized areas of criminal prosecution. These bureaus ensure that perpetrators of serious crimes are held accountable, and that victims receive the support they need throughout the legal process.

Gang Bureau: Focuses on prosecuting crimes related to gang activity, which includes violent crimes, drug trafficking, and organized criminal activity.

Sex Crimes Bureau: Handles the prosecution of sexual assault, child abuse, and other sex-related offenses, working closely with victim services to support survivors.

Family Violence Bureau: Focuses on domestic violence cases, providing assistance to victims and prosecuting offenders to prevent further harm.

Drug Trafficking Bureau: Responsible for prosecuting cases involving the illegal distribution and trafficking of drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin.

Each of these specialized bureaus plays a crucial role in combating specific types of criminal behavior, protecting public safety, and advocating for victims.

Victim Services: Support and Advocacy for Those Affected by Crime

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office places a strong emphasis on victim support, offering a comprehensive range of services for those impacted by crime. The Victim Services Division provides resources for victims, including access to legal support, counseling, and assistance with navigating the criminal justice system.

This division is dedicated to ensuring that victims' rights are upheld throughout the prosecution process. Victims receive information on case progress, legal procedures, and available resources to help them recover from the trauma of criminal offenses. The division also coordinates victim compensation and assists with applications for financial relief for those who have been injured or lost property due to crime.

For more information on victim resources, visit the Victim Services Division page.

In addition to its criminal prosecution duties, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office also provides civil legal services to the county government. The Civil Services Division handles legal matters related to government operations, including advising elected officials and county departments on various issues. This includes overseeing contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and defending the county in legal actions and lawsuits.

Key components of the Civil Services Division include the Human Resources Practice Group, which advises on employment-related matters, and the Land Use and Transactional Practice Group, which handles cases involving property development, zoning issues, and environmental enforcement.

Key Initiatives: Addressing Community Issues

Beyond its traditional legal responsibilities, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is actively involved in addressing critical issues facing the community. This includes initiatives targeting the opioid epidemic, teen violence, and the prevention of organized retail crime. The office has launched several awareness campaigns and community programs to engage the public and provide valuable resources for preventing and addressing crime.

The Fentanyl Crisis: A Growing Threat

Fentanyl has become a significant public health and safety concern in Maricopa County. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has prioritized tackling the fentanyl crisis, working with law enforcement and community partners to combat the illegal distribution of fentanyl and prevent overdose deaths.

For more information about the Fentanyl Awareness Initiative, visit the official webpage.

Addressing Teen Violence: East Valley Initiative

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is also working to combat the troubling rise in teen violence in the East Valley. Through programs like Report, Don’t Repost, the office is encouraging community members to report incidents of teen violence directly to law enforcement rather than sharing them on social media, which can perpetuate harm.

Learn more about this initiative on the East Valley Teen Violence page.

Contact Information for Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Divisions

For assistance or inquiries related to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, you can contact the following divisions:

Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Prosecution Division
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Civil Services Division
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Victim Services Division
Phone: 602-506-8522
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Gang Bureau
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Capital Litigation Bureau
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Sex Crimes Bureau
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Drug Trafficking Bureau
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Family Violence Bureau
Phone: 602-506-3411
Address: 225 West Madison Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Juvenile Division
Phone: 602-372-5415
Address: 570 W Brown Road, 1st Floor, Mesa, AZ 85201

Maricopa County Attorney's Office FAQs

What types of crimes does the Maricopa County Attorney's Office prosecute?

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting all felony crimes in Maricopa County, including serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, theft, and drug trafficking. They also handle misdemeanors in unincorporated areas of the county, such as DUI offenses and domestic violence cases.

How does the Maricopa County Attorney's Office support crime victims?

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office provides comprehensive victim support services through its Victim Services Division. This includes assistance with navigating the criminal justice system, providing emotional support, and ensuring that victims' rights are upheld during criminal proceedings. They also help victims apply for compensation and offer counseling resources.

What is the role of the Civil Services Division within the Maricopa County Attorney's Office?

The Civil Services Division provides legal counsel to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and all county departments. It handles matters such as public records requests, procurement law, and legal issues related to government operations, including lawsuits and claims against the county. The division ensures that Maricopa County government functions within the bounds of the law.

What are some specialized bureaus in the Maricopa County Attorney's Office?

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office includes several specialized bureaus aimed at addressing specific types of criminal behavior. Notable bureaus include the Gang Bureau, which focuses on gang-related crimes, the Sex Crimes Bureau, which handles sexual assault and child abuse cases, and the Drug Trafficking Bureau, which targets illegal drug distribution activities.