In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
What happens at a trial on criminal charges or complaints?
Depending on the alleged offense, the person charged, the defendant, may be entitled to a trial by jury. The defendant is entitled to hear all testimony introduced against him or her. A defendant has the right to cross-examine any witness who testifies against him or her, to testify on his or her own behalf and a constitutional right not to testify. If the defendant chooses not to testify, a refusal cannot and will not be used against the defendant in determining their guilt or innocence. However, if a defendant chooses to testify, the prosecutor will have the right to cross-examine the defendant. A defendant may call witnesses to testify on his or her behalf and has the right to have the court issue subpoenas to ensure the appearance of reluctant witnesses.