Office of the Community Prosecutor

Mission Statement

The Office of the Community Prosecutor shall uphold the Constitution and laws of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and applicable laws of the United States, and shall fairly apply the same before the Tribal Courts of this Community in all criminal and appropriate civil cases, while working with the citizens, the court, the police, and other department officials to secure the fair administration of justice for one and all.

The fair administration of justice.

 

The Chief Prosecutor co-hosts Asked & Answered, a podcast focused on breaking down complex legal topics in a way that is accessible, informative, and Community-focused.  Click below to listen – and if you have a question for the hosts, email them at AskedandAnswered@SRPMIC-nsn.gov.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Dedicated to serving the community through civil and criminal justice efforts.

The Office of the Community Prosecutor is divided into Civil and Criminal Teams, each serving critical roles in maintaining justice and supporting the community. Here’s a breakdown of what each team does and their responsibilities.

Civil Team

Our office is divided into two teams: Civil and Criminal, with prosecutors, advocates, and administrative staff working with each team. The Civil Team has multiple responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Juvenile Dependency: Our Civil Team represents the Community and Social Services in all child welfare/dependency cases. The goal is family reunification. We work with parents, caseworkers, other parties, and the Court to accomplish this whenever possible.
• Emergency Mental Health: When a person is detained on a mental health hold, our office works with HHS physicians and the Court to ensure proper evaluation and treatment in cases requiring involuntary commitment.
• Truancy: Our office represents the Education Department in truancy cases, and we work with families in diversion agreements when appropriate.

Criminal Team

Our Criminal Team represents the Community in all criminal and juvenile delinquency cases in SRPMIC Community Court.

Responsibilities:

• Adult Criminal: We handle everything from criminal traffic cases all the way up to serious assault and homicide cases, and everything in between.
• Juvenile Delinquency: When a juvenile commits an offense that would be a crime if committed by an adult, the juvenile is charged with a delinquency offense, and our office represents the Community in these hearings.
• Victim’s Rights: Victims of crime have rights under the Community Code. We work to ensure victims are afforded those rights and the opportunity to provide input on the case.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Providing support, guidance, and resources to the Community.

The Office of the Community Prosecutor offers a wide range of services to assist and support individuals in navigating the justice system and accessing resources. Here’s how we can help you.

1. Orders of Protection

If you are in need of a tribal order of protection, our victim advocate can assist you through that process.

2. Community Outreach

You will often find us at Community events. Feel free to come see us with your questions, comments, and ideas.

3. Case Updates

As a victim of crime, our office automatically sends updates on court dates, plea offers, and other important developments. We are available to answer your questions. Please contract us with phone or address changes.

4. Community Education

We are happy to provide education to Community groups on topics such as Community law, mandatory reporting, Community crime statistics, child abuse and domestic violence awareness and prevention, and others. Just let us know.

5. Restitution

If you incurred damage or monetary loss due to a crime, you may be owed restitution. We can assist with the process of claiming and receiving restitution through the criminal case process.

6. Diversion & Deferred Prosecution

Diversion and deferred prosecution are options for those who have little to no criminal history and who would like to resolve their changes outside of a court setting.

7. Referrals for Services

The Community offers many useful services through the FAC, HHS, BHS, and other departments. We can help connect you with the services you choose.

8. Internships

We welcome internships from college students and law students who are interested in tribal law and justice.

CRIMINAL CASE PROCESS

1. Arrest / Charges Filed If a person is arrested by a police officer, or if an officer submits charges, a prosecutor will review the charges and may file a complaint.
2. Initial Appearance An arrested person goes before a judge who determines if there was probable cause for the arrest and may set a bond.
3. Arraignment The defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty, and the case is set for a hearing — usually a trial or a status hearing.
4. Status Hearing The judge will hear the status of the case from the prosecutor and the defense attorney, including whether there is a possible plea agreement.
5. Change of Plea Hearing If the defendant wants to accept a plea offer, the parties will ask the court to set a hearing to hear the terms of the plea agreement.
6. Trial If the parties cannot come to an agreement, the case will proceed to trial, where both sides present evidence to the jury.
7. Sentencing If the jury finds the defendant guilty, the judge will impose a sentence that could include a fine, probation, or jail time.
8. Appeal If the defendant requests an appeal, an appellate court may review a conviction and change a trial court decision.

RESOURCES

Salt River Police Department
Telephone: (480) 850-9230
(In the case of an Emergency, Dial 911)
www.SaltRiverPD.com

Salt River Social Services
Telephone: (480) 362-5645

Salt River Legal Services Office
Telephone: (480) 362-5670

Health & Human Services Central Intake
10005 East Osborn Road
Telephone: (480) 362-7350

Behavioral Health Services
Telephone: (480) 362-5707
Crisis Services
Telephone: (480) 362-6333
(In the case of an Emergency, Dial 911)

Salt: River Family Advocacy Center
Telephone: (480) 362-5425