City Prosecutor Victim Services

We are responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor crimes and city code violations within the city limits and handles thousands of criminal cases each year. 

The Victim Services Unit (VSU) serves the victims of those crimes, as well as Mesa residents seeking assistance with victimization (i.e. reporting a crime, obtaining a protective order, safety planning, etc.) We provide essential information on victims’ rights and criminal justice procedures, and we support victims in accessing resources for emotional and physical healing, safety and security, and economic recovery.

VSU staff are dedicated to connecting victims with the information and support they need to navigate the criminal justice system. We strive to ensure that all victims are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity throughout the criminal justice process.  

Advocacy

When criminal charges are filed with the Mesa Municipal Court, the Victim Services Unit (VSU) reviews the case to identify victims and notify them of the case status, upcoming hearing dates and Victims’ Rights. The case is also assigned a Victim Services Assistant (Victim Advocate), who may answer questions and provide ongoing support.

What can a Victim Advocate do for me?

Victim Advocates Can…

  • Explain Victims’ Rights and assist you with invoking your rights
  • Explain criminal justice procedures and possible outcomes
  • Send you letters notifying you of new court dates
  • Answer questions about the status of the case or court procedures
  • Escort you to court proceedings or defense interviews
  • Serve as a liaison between you and the prosecutor
  • Explain trial procedures and what to expect
  • Provide a safe and private area where you can wait before and after testifying
  • Assist with submitting a Victim Impact Statement
  • Assist with submitting a Restitution Request and applying for Victims’ Compensation
  • Help you fill out a petition for a Protective Order
  • Discuss safety planning and connect you with safety resources
  • Complete and endorse your application to the Address Confidentiality Program
  • Provide information, referrals, and connections to community resources
  • Answer calls and emails between 7am and 6pm, Monday through Thursday

Victim Advocates Cannot…

  • Give you legal advice
  • Tell you how to testify
  • Talk with the defendant
  • Interview witnesses or investigate facts of the case
  • Tell you what to write in a Victim Impact Statement
  • Give an opinion as to any outcome regarding the case
  • Persuade the prosecutor or court to grant a specific plea offer or case outcome
  • Withhold exculpatory information (evidence that may prove a defendant's innocence)
  • Provide services outside of business hours

*Please be advised that all victim services staff are legally mandated to report reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Child Safety (DCS).

Victims’ Rights

In Arizona, victims of crime have legal rights that are preserved and protected by the Arizona State Constitution in a Victims’ Bill of Rights.  The Victim Services Unit is committed to ensuring that victims rights are upheld throughout the criminal justice process and that victims are fully informed and have access to Victims’ Rights Information(PDF, 495KB) . 

Right to receive a copy of the police report

Victims have a right to receive one free copy of the police report from the law enforcement agency filing charges. Victims of crimes that occurred within Mesa can submit an online request from the Mesa Police Department Records Center

Right to receive notices

Victims have a right to be informed of court proceedings upon request. Initial letters are sent to anyone identified as a victim in a misdemeanor criminal case within our office. By invoking your right to receive notices, you are requesting ongoing letter updates by mail or email. You can invoke your rights by contacting our office at 480-644-2188.  

Right to attend hearings

Victims have a right to attend all hearings in which the defendant is required to be present. If you have invoked your right to receive notices, you will receive a letter (by mail or email) notifying you whenever a new court date has been scheduled. You may also look up court dates and case information https://ecourt.mesaaz.gov

If you would like to request an advocate to accompany you to a hearing, please contact us at 480-644-2188.

Right to be heard

Victims have a right to be heard at the time of sentencing. Victims may give a verbal statement before the court at the time of sentencing, or they may write a Victim Impact Statement. By giving a statement, the victim has an opportunity to explain how the crime has affected them (emotionally, physically, and financially) and what type of punishment the judge should impose on the defendant.  Please keep in mind that Victim Impact Statements are NOT confidential. Statements will be read by the prosecutor and may be seen by the defendant and/or their attorney. 

Victims may submit a Victim Impact Statement in-person, by mail or by email. For more information about submitting a Victim Impact Statement, please contact us at 480-644-2188.

Right to Request Restitution

Victims may request restitution for out-of-pocket expenses that were incurred as a direct result of the crime. These expenses may include medical bills, counseling fees, property repair or replacement, lost wages, travel expenses, etc. Please note that all restitution requests must be supported by documentation. Some victims may also be eligible to apply for the Victim Compensation Program.

Restitution documentation may be submitted in-person, by mail, email or fax. For assistance with submitting a restitution request or applying for Victims’ Compensation, please contact our office at 480-644-2188. 

Court Information

Case Search

You can search for case information on the Mesa Municipal ecourt website to find information about upcoming court dates, case disposition, and recent restitution payments.

Criminal Justice System Basics

The Mesa Municipal Court handles civil violations and misdemeanor criminal charges filed in Mesa. 

Arraignment
When a person (defendant) is charged with a criminal offense, they will be summoned to appear at a first arraignment. At arraignment, the judge will inform the defendant of the charges they are facing and the minimum and maximum sentencing for each misdemeanor.

Arizona has three classes of misdemeanor crimes, each with a maximum sentence for imprisonment. The maximum jail sentencing is as follows:

  • Class 1 misdemeanor is up to 6 months of jail
  • Class 2 misdemeanor is up to 4 months of jail
  • Class 3 misdemeanor is up to 30 days of jail

Minimum sentencing could include a fine or diversion program (if eligible).

At arraignment, the prosecutor will give the defendant a plea offer, (all defendants are given a plea offer). The defendant will then enter one of the following pleas: 1) Guilty, 2) No Contest, or 3) No Guilty. A “Not Guilty” plea means the defendant has not accepted the plea offer and a second court appearance is set for pre-trial.  At this time, the defendant may also request court appointed council (a public defender) if they are unable to afford their own attorney.

In-Custody Hearings
If defendants are arrested at the time of an incident, the first arraignment proceeding will occur while the defendant is in custody. The judge will determine if the defendant may be released on their own recognizance or held on bond.  The judge may also impose terms of release (release conditions). Victims have a right to attend in-custody hearings and give input to the judge about safety concerns with regards to the defendant’s release and whether the defendant should have any contact with the victim. Victims are notified of the first in-custody hearing by the Mesa Police Department.

Modification of Release Conditions
When defendants are released on their own recognizance, the judge often imposes a no contact order as part of the defendant’s terms of release in cases of domestic violence. Victims are NOT able to request changes to release conditions from the court or prosecutor’s office. The defendant must file a motion to modify release conditions with the court. The victim may notify the Victim Services Unit (VSU) whether they are okay with the defendant having contact or returning to the incident location, and the VSU will forward the victim’s input to the prosecutor. When the judge rules on the defendant’s motion, the prosecutor will provide a position (opposed or unopposed) and take the victim’s input into consideration. The judge will then make a ruling as to whether the release conditions will be changed or remain the same.

Trial
The sixth amendment of the constitution grants defendants the right to a trial. There may be several pre-trial conferences (hearings) scheduled by the court. Over the course of these hearings, prosecution and defense counsel may review evidence, interview witnesses, or negotiate terms of the plea offer. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case will be set for trial. Witnesses will be subpoenaed and required to testify in court.

Sentencing & Restitution Hearings
If the defendant is found guilty and convicted of one or more charges, a sentencing hearing and/or restitution hearing may be scheduled. Victims have a right to be heard at the time of sentencing and a right to request restitution.

If you have any more questions about the criminal justice process or victims’ rights, please contact the Victim Services Unit at 480-644-2188.

Safety

VSU advocates can assist you with all the below, in addition to safety planning and connecting you with community resources for items such as new door locks and household security systems.

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)

VINE is a free service that provides crime victims with access to timely and reliable offender information.  Victims can call a toll-free number, visit Arizona VINE, or use the VINELink mobile app to anonymously check on an offender’s custody status. Victims can also register to receive automated notifications about changes in custody status in-app or by phone, email or text. TTY (hearing impaired) services is also available.

There are several options and resources available to you for assistance with accessing greater safety and security.  Implementing these options and resources often begins with establishing a safety plan.

Safety Planning

Safety planning is about brainstorming ways to stay safe that may also help reduce the risk of future harm for you, your children and/or your pets. It can include planning for a future crisis, considering your options, and making decisions about your next steps.

Safety planning may involve multiple resources and strategies and may include implementing tech safety, changing contact information, obtaining a protective order, acquiring personal safety devices, installing new door locks and/or home security systems, relocation, enrolling in an address confidentiality program, and building a support network of advocates, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers or other caring members of your community you can trust.

Online Safety Planning Guides

Safety Planning Apps

  • myPlan is a mobile app and safety planning tool, aimed to empower those affected by Intimate Partner Violence to make safety decisions regarding their abusive relationships.
  • DocuSAFE is a free app that helps survivors collect, store, and share evidence of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, online harassment, and dating violence. 
  • TechSafety is a free app containing information that can help someone identify technology-facilitated harassment, stalking, or abuse and includes tips on what can be done. It also includes additional resources on documenting abuse, talking with an advocate, contacting police, getting an attorney, and where to call for help. 

Protective Orders

You can request a protective order by filling out a petition online at https://azpoint.azcourts.gov.  If you need assistance with completing the petition or need safety planning or other resources, you may speak with one of our Victim Services Assistants at 480-644-2188.

Once you have submitted your petition, you will receive a confirmation number which you can bring to any court in Arizona. A judge will review your petition and decide whether it should be granted. 

Protective orders are not in effect until they have been served upon the defendant and are valid for one year from the date of service. A defendant may request a hearing to contest an order at the court it was issued. If the plaintiff fails to attend the hearing, the order will be quashed.

There are two types of protective orders: an Order of Protection (OOP) and an Injunction Against Harassment (IAH). 

Orders of Protection are issued when there is a domestic or romantic relationship between the petitioner (plaintiff) and the defendant (person you are getting the order against). These relationships include family, marriage, dating, previously romantic or sharing a household (living together/roommates). For an OOP to be granted, you must be able to allege one instance of domestic violence were committed against you by the defendant in the past year.  OOPs may be served by the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the defendant lives, or by a city contracted process server.

Injunctions Against Harassment are issued when the relationship between the plaintiff and defendant is not domestic, familial, or romantic. Some examples include neighbors, coworkers, friends, or strangers. For an IAH to be granted, you must be able to allege one instance of sexual violence or at least two incidents in the past year during which the defendant harassed you. IAHs are served by a process server hired by the victim. If the victim informs the court, they are unable to afford a Process Server, the court may waive the fee.

Address Confidentiality Program

The Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a program that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and stalking from being located by the perpetrator through public records. The program provides a substitute address and confidential mail forwarding service to individuals and families across Arizona.

Anyone interested in applying to the program must meet in person with a registered Application Assistant. VSU advocates are registered and qualified to assist victims with enrolling in ACP. If you would like to enroll in ACP, please contact our office at 480-644-2188.

Pet Safety Resources

When domestic violence survivors are ready to leave their abusers, many are faced with the challenge of finding shelter for themselves, their children, and their pets. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals. However, some resources are available. Pets can now be protected on court issued orders of protection, and several organizations assist with providing shelter, foster care or financial support to help domestic violence victims and their pets find a safe and secure place to live.

Resources

Our Victim Services Staff can connect you with services in the community to support your emotional and physical healing, safety and security, and economic recovery.  Advocates can provide referrals to local agencies for free or low-cost counseling, emergency shelter, safety equipment, domestic violence services and other necessities.  We can also assist you with enrolling in the Victims’ Compensation Program or the Address Confidentiality Program. 

Below is a list of local community agencies available to provide you with support.  Community Resource Directories and 24-Hour Hotlines are a great place to start. 

Community Resource Directories

  • Arizona 211 (Information and Referral Services program)
  • The Help Book  (Southwest Network Resource Guide for Mental Health Healing and Recovery)

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources

24 Hour Hotlines

Community Agencies & Coalitions

Pet Safety Resources

Emergency Shelter and Housing

Services for Children and Families

Services for Vulnerable Adults

Crisis and Emergency Services

Mental Health and Recovery

Victim Services Programs

Legal Aid and Advocacy

 

This web site is for information purposes only. The prosecutor’s office represents the State of Arizona and does not provide legal advice for residents, nor can it refer residents to private attorneys.


Civil Rights
The City of Mesa does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, income status, sex, age or disability in the delivery of services. The Mesa Prosecutor's Office is committed to making services accessible.  Please contact Victim Services for an accommodation or translation service. For more information or how to file a complaint, contact the City of Mesa Title VI Coordinator at 480-644-5034 or view the Civil Rights Protection page.

Aviso De Derechos Civiles
La Ciudad de Mesa no discrimina sobre la base de raza, color, religión, origen nacional, situación económica, sexo, edad o discapacidad en la entrega de servicios. La Oficina del Procurador de Mesa se compromete a poner los servicios a disposición de todos los habitantes. Por favor, comuníquese con Servicios a Víctimas para hacer adaptaciones o asignarle a un intérprete. Para obtener más información o presentar una queja, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título VI de la Ciudad de Mesa al 480-644-5034o visite la página de Protección de Derechos Civiles.

Limitations
Victim Services Assistants can only provide limited information about the facts and details of the case. For additional information or to discuss the facts of the case, request to speak with the prosecutor.

Disclosure/Warnings
Communication between Victim Services Assistants and the victim will automatically be shared with the prosecutor. Victims must notify the Victim Services Assistant if they want any of the communication to remain confidential.

Restitution requests and Victim Impact Statements are provided automatically to the prosecutor and the judge. These forms may also be provided to the defendant and/or the defense attorney upon request. Victim’s personal information is redacted as required by law.

 

Contact Us

Phone

480-644-2188

 

Servicios Para Victimas
480-644-2188

 

Fax

480-644-2584

 

Email

VSU@mesaaz.gov

 

Hours

Monday - Thursday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

 

Location

Mesa Municipal Court
250 E. 1st Ave.
Suite 222 (2nd Floor)
Mesa, AZ 85211

How to Text 911

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