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.
Can I plead by telephone or mail?
If authorized by the court and the case is a misdemeanor, a telephonic plea may be available provided you are an out-of-state resident or you reside more than 100 miles from the court, the plea is in writing, a law enforcement officer certifies that you signed a plea of guilty/no contest form, and that the officer attached your fingerprint to the document. Courts of limited jurisdiction may accept a written plea of guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor or petty offense if the court is satisfied that a personal appearance by the defendant would constitute an undue hardship such as illness, physical incapacity, substantial distance to travel, or incarceration. A plea submitted by mail must comply with the requirements of Rule 17 and must be signed by the defendant and acknowledged by a notary public.
Resources:
• Rule 17, Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure
• Form 28(a) Guilty or No Contest Pleas by Mail