Victim Rights Brochure

Mohave County Attorney’s Office Mission Statement

To conduct the prosecution of all felony offenses within the County and the prosecution of misdemeanors in the unincorporated areas. Advise law enforcement agencies and the grand jury. Assist crime victims and witnesses. Represent County government and its agencies, school districts, fire departments, and other public agencies.

Mohave County Attorney Victim Witness Program 301 Pine Street, Kingman, AZ 86401 P.O. Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402-7000 Telephone: (928) 718-4967 Fax: (928) 718-4966 victimwitness@mohave.gov

Victim Rights

The criminal justice system can be daunting, confusing and stressful for victims of crime. Fortunately, help is available from the Mohave County Attorney Victim Witness Program. Our mission is to assist victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process by providing advocacy, support and services.

The Victim Advocate

The Mohave County Attorney Victim Witness Program ensures victims will receive notifications of all court proceedings. Upon special request and subject to availability, an advocate may be available to attend certain hearings with you. Please contact our office for more information regarding advocate assistance. Victims have the right to confidential communications with an Advocate and must provide written or oral consent before any information they provide can be shared with the prosecutor or law enforcement agency.

Victim Restitution

If you have suffered a financial loss as a result of the crime, the court may order the defendant to reimburse you through restitution. For more information regarding restitution, please contact the Restitution Advocate at the Mohave County Attorney

Victim Compensation

The Crime Victim Compensation Program assists victims with medical expenses, counseling, funeral expenses, lost income, travel expenses and crime scene clean-up. To receive an application and apply for this program, please contact the Mohave County Attorney Victim Witness Program.

Criminal Justice Resources

Courts: www.mohavecourts.com Mohave County Superior Court (928) 753-0713 Kingman/Cerbat Justice Court (928) 753-0710 Bullhead City Justice Court (928) 758-0709 Lake Havasu City Consolidated Court (928) 453-0705 North Canyon Consolidated Court (Arizona Strip) (928) 875-8700 Victim Services: Mohave County Attorney Victim Witness Program (928) 718-4967 victimwitness.mohave.gov Mohave County Jail Victim Rights Officer Jail Release Notice / In-Custody Status (928) 753-0759 www.mohave.gov Mohave County Adult Probation (928) 753-0741 www.mohavecourts.com Arizona Department of Corrections Victim Services (866) 787-7233 or (602) 542-1853 www.azcorrections.gov Arizona Attorney General’s Office Victim Services (602) 542-4911 www.azag.gov Under the “Criminal” Tab

The Crime Victims Bill Of Rights

Arizona’s Constitution guarantees specific rights for crime victims, including the right to:

  • Be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment or abuse throughout the criminal justice process.
  • Be notified when the accused or convicted person is released from custody or has escaped.
  • Be present at all criminal proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
  • Be heard at any proceeding involving a release decision, a plea offer or sentencing.
  • To confer with the prosecution before trial, disposition of the case, release decision or plea offer.
  • Refuse an interview, deposition or other discovery request by the defendant or defendant’s attorney.
  • Receive prompt restitution from a defendant convicted of a crime that caused the victim’s loss or injury.
  • Be notified and provided the reason(s) for declining prosecution of a case and to confer with the prosecutor.

(See Article 2, section 2.1 of the Arizona State Constitution for the complete Victims’ Bill of Rights)

Court Proceedings

Victims have the right to be notified and attend all court proceedings. Your attendance at these proceedings is not required unless you are served with a subpoena. If the case is to be resolved through a plea offer, you have the right to confer with the prosecutor before the plea offer is accepted. If a count in which you are a victim is dismissed pursuant to the plea agreement, you will continue to receive all applicable rights of a crime victim throughout the criminal justice process.

Right To Leave Work

Under A.R.S. § 13-4439 & A.R.S. § 8-420, a victim has the right to leave work to exercise their right to be present at all proceedings or to obtain an Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment.

Motion To Revoke Bond or Personal Recognizance

Under A.R.S. § 13-4432, the victim has the right to be notified of the defendant’s bond and their right to petition the court to revoke the defendant’s bond or personal recognizance.

Police Reports

Victims are entitled to receive one copy of the police report including supplements and video recordings which identifies them as the victim. Reports can be obtained from the law enforcement agency which the crime was reported to or the prosecuting agency. Personal information may be redacted from the report. If the investigation is on-going, a complete report may not be available.

When A Defendant Is Sentenced

Victims have the right:

  • To be notified of and present at any sentencing related proceeding.
  • To be provided the contact information for the Probation Department, who will prepare the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report. Your Victim Impact Statement and Restitution information can be included in this report.
  • To receive a copy of the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report when available.
  • To give a written or verbal impact statement to the judge regarding the defendant’s sentencing.
  • To be notified of the defendant’s sentence.

After The Case Is Over

Victims have the right:

  • To be notified of any post-conviction proceedings or appeal.
  • To be present and heard at proceedings where post-conviction release is being considered.
  • To be notified of any proceedings where the defendant’s probation is terminated, revoked or modified.
  • To be notified by the custodial agency of the defendant’s release, discharge, escape, or death.

Noitice Of Petition And Right To Be Heard On Petition

Under A.R.S. § 13-4440, the victim has the right to be present and to be heard at any proceeding in which a person’s factual innocence is being considered pursuant to section 12-771.
Under A.R.S. § 13-4441, the victim has the right to be present and to be heard at any proceeding in which the defendant has filed a petition pursuant to section 13-925 to restore the defendant's right to possess a firearm.

Return Of Personal Property

If your personal property is used as evidence in a criminal case, law enforcement may retain it throughout the criminal justice process. For questions regarding the return of property that is being kept for evidence, please contact the prosecutor assigned to your case.

Child Victims

The Mohave County Attorney Victim Witness Program offers support to help children and their parents prepare for the criminal justice process. Our office provides a family room to alleviate the stress which parents and children often experience when dealing with the legal system. This room provides victims with a sense of security and is not accessible to the public.