In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependecy and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
What happens after I enter a plea at arraignment?
Once you have decided on your plea you must enter a plea with the judge at your arraignment. Unless the case involves a victim who has asked to be present, no witnesses will be present at arraignment and no testimony will be taken. At an arraignment, the judge will not grant a request to dismiss any charges. You must enter a plea to the charges against you.
• If a plea of guilty or no contest is entered you may be sentenced immediately following the acceptance by the judge of your plea or you may be sentenced at a later date.
• If a plea of not guilty is entered, a pretrial disposition conference will be scheduled followed by a trial setting. You must decide, if you have not already done so, whether to get an attorney to represent you.
• You may be represented only by yourself or an Arizona licensed attorney. In some circumstances, a court-appointed attorney may be provided to you.
If you cannot afford an attorney and wish representation, you may request that an attorney be appointed to represent you. An examination of your financial status will be made to determine if you are entitled to a court-appointed attorney. If eligible, you may be ordered to pay a portion of the cost.