Criminal justice data transparency makes communities safer
In Arizona, without accurate and complete data, our criminal justice system is losing public trust, which prevents us from keeping people safe. SB 1171 would make our prosecutors’ offices more effective and improve public collaboration with our criminal justice system. SB 1171 has found support across the political spectrum because it would give lawmakers, prosecutors, and the public the informa[...]
Panel recommends broader definition of ‘position of trust’ in child sex abuse laws
A special committee wants to revamp Arizona's sex abuse laws to make it easier to prosecute some people who violate their position of trust with their youthful victims.
Arizona leads the way in criminal justice reform
Arizona’s criminal justice system is not perfect. There is always room for improvement in any system, and I and other prosecutors remain willing to engage in productive discussions and initiatives to improve criminal justice system outcomes for crime victims, the public we serve, and defendants to reduce recidivism.
21st century prosecutors strive for far more than convictions
The prosecution function has come a long way in the last two decades across the country and here in Maricopa County.
They’re both right and wrong on prosecutors’ ‘Prisoners in Arizona’ report
Ultimately, we will never achieve meaningful sentencing reform in Arizona with both sides bashing the other and making “straw dog” arguments based on false mischaracterization of the other’s positions. Instead, we must take baby steps and then measure results as they inform public safety, in much the same way that the recently released APAAC report undertook its detailed and valuable account[...]
Arizona resistant to change in ‘tough-on-crime’ sentencing laws
A lingering “tough-on-crime” mentality in Arizona is hampering efforts to reconstruct the state’s criminal justice system.
Defense attorneys take aim at law governing interaction with crime victims
Defense attorneys allege in a federal suit filed today that an Arizona law blocking them from speaking with crime victims and their relatives violates the First Amendment.
Arizona has more crimes than most people realize
The Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Council, or APAAC, has begun a review of Title 13 and all of the criminal provisions in the 45 other titles, said Kim MacEachern, the group’s staff attorney.
Senate backs ban on releasing crime witness, victim info
The Arizona Senate approved legislation Monday that requires police and prosecutors to keep the addresses and other personal information of crime victims and witnesses secret from defense attorneys and the public without a court order.
Arizona AG’s office: Woman faked cancer to get an abortion
Charges have been filed against a woman accused of faking cancer in 2010 to get Arizona to pay for her late-term abortion, state prosecutors said Tuesday.
Counterattacks
Arizona, other states retaliate against ‘revenge porn’
Sparked by a new law approved by the California legislature this fall, Arizona is one of several states where lawmakers are proposing bills to criminalize “revenge porn.”
Ex-US Rep. Rick Renzi wants bail during appeal
Former U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi is asking a federal judge in Tucson to allow him to remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction on public corruption, money laundering and other charges.