You Are Not Alone: An Elder Abuse Resource & Information Guide

What Happens First?
If the police department is contacted first, the officer may request that an Adult Protective Services (APS) worker be assigned to assist you if you need services.

If APS is contacted first, the APS caseworker will contact police if it appears that you have been harmed. The APS caseworker will arrange services if necessary. This may include legal services to protect you and your finances. 

You will be given a police department report number for reference. A suspect may be taken to jail. A Mesa Police Victim Assistance volunteer will help guide you through the process.

What Happens Next?
A detective investigating your case may want to interview you. If there is enough evidence, the detective will submit the case to a prosecutor for review, who will decide whether to file criminal charges. Not all cases are charged.

If charged, a victim's rights advocate from the prosecutor's office will contact you to explain your rights as a victim. Rights include being notified of all court dates and being present at a trial or hearing, speaking to the judge and the prosecutor, and expressing your opinion about any possible plea offers made to the person accused of the abuse.

What About the Actual Court Process?
Once charged, the judge must advise the suspect, now called a defendant, of the charges at an initial appearance.

Later, the judge holds a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to continue with the prosecution.

In some cases, the prosecutor may offer the defendant the option of a plea agreement, which is a negotiated set of charges in exchange for a lesser sentence. This defendant will then enter a guilty plea and be sentenced at a later date. 

In cases that proceed to trial, there will likely be a series of hearings before the trial begins. You may be subpoenaed or ordered to attend these hearings. If you are not ordered to attend, you have the option of going to hearings if you so desire.

A judge will preside over the trial, usually with a jury...and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Reporting elder abuse to law enforcement is important for your health and safety. From the initial report to the court process, you will have someone to help you answer questions, escort you to court hearings, file for restitution and advocate for your rights as a crime victim.

You are not alone.

Resources to help you:

To report an emergency dial 911.

Mesa Police Department
480-644-2211 (non-emergency)

Mesa Police Victim Assistance
480-644-3232
Provides support, court information, and referrals to counseling and social services.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
602-256-1011 (non-emergency)

AZ Senior Citizens Law Project
602-252-6710
Offers legal information and assistance.

Adult Protective Services (APS)
1-877-0767-2385
Investigates abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Offers available and appropriate services.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman  602-542-4446 and Local Ombudsman  602-264-2255
Investigates complaints and explains rights of long term care facility residents.

Maricopa County Victim Witness Program
602-506-8522
Offers information and assistance through the court process.

Maricopa County Victim Compensation Bureau
602-506-4055
Compensation for expenses incurred as a result of the crime.

Area Agency on Aging, Region One 24 Hour Senior HELP LINE  602-264-4357 OR 1-888-264-2256
Information about senior services including emergency housing, transportation, home care, long-term care, home-delivered meals, and domestic violence support groups.

Arizona Attorney General's Office Consumer Information and Complaints
602-542-5763
Takes reports of consumer fraud.

Elder Law Hotline
1-800-231-5441
Answers simple legal questions.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to arrange for someone to speak to your group about elder abuse, please contact Karen Stegenga, Crime Prevention Specialist, (480) 644-5014.