Veterans’ Court – The Mesa Prosecutor’s Office plays a key role in Veterans’ Court, which began operating in 2015.  Veterans’ Court takes a therapeutic approach to dealing with military service members who have been brought into the criminal justice system.  It utilizes an interdisciplinary “team” including judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, veterans’ case manager, volunteers, regional care providers and other staff that can deal with military veterans’ specific circumstances, which could include post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injuries, homelessness or housing issues, mental health needs, alcohol or drug addictions, sexual trauma and other issues.

Community Court – In July, 2018, the Mesa Prosecutor’s Office was instrumental in helping form a Community Court to manage and serve those defendants coming into the criminal justice system with homeless, mental health or drug/alcohol issues.  Similar to Veterans’ Court, Community Court utilizes an interdisciplinary “team” including judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, homeless navigators, regional care providers and other staff that can deal with the social issues that are presented by the defendants entering the court.  The prosecutor utilizes a diversion process to create incentive for participation in the offered programs and services.

Rule 11 Court – The Mesa Prosecutor’s Office also plays a key role in Rule 11 Court, which handles those criminal cases in which a person’s competency to stand trial may be at issue.  The Rule 11 Court began as a statewide pilot project with the Mesa Municipal Court, in which municipal court judges were allowed to hear Superior Court competency cases in Mesa Municipal Court.  The success of the project resulted in a change in state law.  Competency hearings are now conducted on an expedited basis in Municipal Court which has greatly reduced the number of failures to appear by those defendants going through the process and has increased the effectiveness of the mental health process.  It has also greatly reduced the cost to the prosecutors, defense attorneys and the system in handling these cases.

Arraignment Court – The Mesa Prosecutor’s Office worked closely with Mesa Municipal Court in starting an Arraignment Court in July, 2016.  All cases that come into the criminal justice system in Mesa now go through Arraignment Court where the prosecutor offers an early disposition of a case.  Crime victims are notified early in the process, and many cases see a positive resolution. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month – The City Attorney’s office collaborates with multiple departments within the City of Mesa to promote awareness of domestic violence  in Mesa.  The City hosts and supports various events, including a booth at Celebrate Mesa, social media postings,  a special community event, and a Faces of Domestic Violence banner telling stories of domestic violence homicide victims.  Call 480-644-2188 or visit the Victim Services page for information on where to get help.