Maricopa County Attorney's Office

- 225 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Hello, Arizonans! In a community as large and dynamic as Maricopa County, the role of a government office in maintaining public safety and order is essential. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) is one of the most vital of these institutions. As the chief prosecutor for the fourth-largest county in the nation, this office is responsible for a wide array of duties that impact the daily lives of nearly four million residents. From prosecuting serious crimes to serving as legal counsel for county government, the MCAO is a cornerstone of our local justice system. This office operates with a mission to deliver high-quality prosecution, provide comprehensive services to victims, and ensure a safe and well-governed community for all.

The MCAO is a complex and large-scale agency with more than 900 full-time employees, including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and victim advocates. The County Attorney, an elected official, is the head of the office and holds the responsibility for prosecuting all felonies that occur in Maricopa County, as well as all misdemeanors that happen in unincorporated areas. Beyond its prosecutorial role, the MCAO also serves as the legal counsel for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and other county departments. This dual function makes the office a central legal force in our region, a place where justice is sought and government is advised. The dedication of its staff is critical to upholding the law and ensuring fairness in the community, reflecting a deep commitment to the people they serve.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, in a central and easily accessible location. You can find them at 225 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA. This address places the office near other key government buildings and courthouses, which is convenient for those who have business in the area. The office is committed to ensuring that all residents can access their services without difficulty. The building is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These features are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors.

For those planning a visit, it is worth noting that appointments are recommended. This helps ensure that you can be seen in a timely manner and that the appropriate staff member is available to assist you with your specific needs. The office environment itself, including the availability of clean restrooms, is intended to make your experience as smooth as possible. While the work of the MCAO can be sensitive and challenging, the office space itself is designed to be functional and accommodating for members of the public who need to interact with it.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office offers a wide range of services that extend far beyond simply prosecuting crimes. Their work touches various aspects of public safety and legal administration. Some of their key services include:

• Criminal Prosecution: The primary function of the office is to prosecute felony crimes in Maricopa County and misdemeanors in unincorporated areas. This includes everything from property crimes to homicides.
• Victim Services: The MCAO provides comprehensive support to victims of crime. This includes victim advocates who can inform and explain victim rights, provide emotional support, act as a liaison with prosecutors, and offer referrals to community resources. They also have specialized programs for child and adult victims, including a K-9 Victim Support Program.
• Legal Counsel for County Government: The office serves as the legal advisor and representative for the Maricopa County government, including the Board of Supervisors and various county departments. This role involves handling legal actions and claims brought against the county and advising on a wide range of legal matters, from human resources to land use.
• Crime Prevention Programs: The MCAO is involved in various community-based programs aimed at preventing crime and educating the public on important issues, such as fentanyl awareness, cyber predator threats, and mandatory reporting laws.
• Specialized Bureaus: The office is organized into specialized bureaus to handle specific types of cases with the necessary expertise, such as major felony cases, sex crimes, family violence, and property crimes.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is distinguished by several features and highlights that are crucial to its function and impact on the community.

• Commitment to Public Safety: The office's mission is to ensure the safety of the community by prosecuting criminals and holding them accountable. Initiatives led by the County Attorney, such as focusing on crimes against children and combating the fentanyl crisis, demonstrate a proactive approach to public safety.
• Extensive Victim Support: A key highlight is the MCAO's robust Victim Services Division. This division goes above and beyond to support and empower crime victims, providing essential resources and advocacy as they navigate the criminal justice system.
• Size and Scope: As one of the largest prosecutorial agencies in the nation, the MCAO has the resources and expertise to handle a high volume and variety of cases, ensuring that a wide range of legal matters are addressed.
• Integrated Operations: The office works in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community partners to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to justice.

For general inquiries or to reach a specific department, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 225 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA
• Phone: (602) 506-3411

It is always best to contact the appropriate department directly or to schedule a recommended appointment for specific needs.

When considering what is worth choosing about the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, it is important to understand its role in a broader context. While some public reviews may express frustration or disagreement with specific charging decisions, as seen in the provided testimonials, this is a reflection of the difficult and often emotionally charged nature of the work the office performs. Prosecutorial discretion is a complex legal concept, and the public's perception of a case may not always align with the legal requirements for a successful prosecution. The reviews, while expressing strong emotions, highlight the MCAO's significant responsibility in deciding the course of justice in the community.

The office's worth is found in its fundamental mission and the services it provides to millions of residents. It serves as a vital safeguard for the community by prosecuting serious crimes, and it plays a critical role in supporting victims who are often at their most vulnerable. The office's dedication to crime prevention and its role as legal counsel for the county government are also essential functions that contribute to the stability and well-being of our entire region. While no public agency is immune to criticism, the MCAO's commitment to upholding the law and providing critical legal and support services makes it an indispensable part of life in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Attorney's Office

225 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ 85003, USA