Arizona Department of Corrections Office of Victim Services Pamphlet

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES

1645 WEST JEFFERSON, MC 250
PHOENIX, AZ 85007
PHONE: 602.542.1853
TOLL FREE: 1.866.787.7233
FAX: 602.364.0459 

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Restorative Justice provides opportunities for offenders to be involved in victim-focused activities that help them understand the impact of criminal conduct. A special program offered to inmates is the Impact of Crime on Victims Class, where victims can present their story of victimization.

PAROLE

Inmates whose crimes occurred prior to 1994 are still eligible for parole and may have a parole hearing. This hearing and victim notification (upon request) is handled by the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. After 1994, most inmates will serve approximately 85% of their sentence in prison. Inmates will then complete their sentence on Community Supervision.

PETITION FOR POST-CONVICTION RELIEF

Immediately following a sentence, an inmate may request “Post Conviction Relief” to reduce the sentence. This request and victim notification (upon request) is generally handled by the original sentencing court.

COMMUTATION OF SENTENCE

An inmate can request that the Governor reduce or “commute” the sentence. Inmates are eligible to request “clemency” if they have served at least two years of their sentence and have at least one year left. Inmates with special circumstances can also request clemency. This request and victim notification (upon request) is handled by the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency.

DIRECT APPEALS

Many inmates who were convicted by a jury will appeal their sentences. Victims/survivors whose cases are being appealed will receive notification through the Arizona Attorney General’s Office upon request.

The Arizona Department of Corrections Office of Victim Services (OVS) ensures that all crime victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the inmate’s incarceration and supervision periods.

Services to Crime Victims and Survivors

  • Explain, clarify, and help exercise victims’ rights.
  • Update regarding the status of an inmate.
  • Provide restitution facts and assistance.
  • Accompany to parole/clemency hearings, executions, and other criminal justice proceedings.
  • Assist with a victim’s right not to receive mail from the inmate.
  • Facilitate requests to deny early release for an inmate.
  • Serve Orders of Protection or Injunctions Against Harassment on inmates in custody.
  • Provide opportunities for participation in the Impact of Crime on Victims Classes.
  • Educate ADC staff, criminal justice agencies, schools, and community organizations about victims’ rights and services.

POST-CONVICTION NOTIFICATION

ADC OVS will notify victims/survivors of an inmate’s release, escape, or death.

How do I register for notifications?

  • A signed Post Conviction Notification Request Form (PCNR) must be received by OVS, which comes from the prosecutor’s office.
  • You must be the victim, family member, or lawful representative of the victim.
  • The inmate must be under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC).
  • It is your responsibility to update your address and phone number in writing.
  • Keep in mind, ADC is not the only agency that notifies about post-conviction activity. Please refer to the PCNR for other agency information.

POST-CONVICTION VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

  • To be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity and be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
  • To be informed, upon request, when the accused or convicted person is released from custody, has escaped, or died.
  • To be present at, and upon request, informed of all criminal proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
  • To receive prompt restitution from the person or persons convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim’s loss or injury.
  • To be heard at any proceeding when any post-conviction release from confinement is being considered.

RESTITUTION

  • Restitution must be ordered by the judge.
  • ADC will set up restitution deduction. Per statute, ADC will deduct a fixed amount from the inmate’s income.
  • All restitution collected is sent to the Clerk of the Court, who will disperse the monies. This usually does not occur until the balance has reached $30.00.
  • You must keep your address updated with the Clerk of the Court in the county in which the restitution was ordered.
  • When the sentence ends, any unpaid restitution will be converted to a Criminal Restitution Order, which is a civil judgment against the offender.