City Prosecutor's Office

Author:

Laura Kohmetscher Administrative Legal Secretary City Attorney's Office

Summary:

The Yuma City Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor criminal cases, civil traffic offenses and city code violations that occur with the City of Yuma.

Published On:

10/18/2007

Last Updated:

1/9/2008

Binding of criminal law book. The Yuma City Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of all misdemeanor criminal cases, civil traffic offenses and city code violations that occur with the City of Yuma. Felony criminal cases and any misdemeanor or civil traffic offense that occurs in the county (outside of the City of Yuma) are prosecuted by the Yuma County Attorney’s Office. The types of cases typically prosecuted by the Yuma City Prosecutor include:

Disorderly Conduct (loud noise, fighting, disturbing the peace, etc.);
Assault, both domestic violence and non-domestic violence;
Criminal Damage;
Theft/Shoplifting;
Violations of Court Orders of Protection/Injunction Against Harassment;
Possession of Marijuana & Paraphernalia;
Criminal Traffic Offenses, such as Misdemeanor D.U.I., Reckless Driving or Racing;
Civil Traffic Offenses, such as speeding, failure to control and unsafe lane change; and
Yuma City Code violations, such as building code violations, failure to pay sales tax and animal control.

Pre-Arraignment Negotiations

An arraignment is a defendant’s first appearance before the court to plead guilty or not guilty. Persons charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses and/or Yuma City Code violations, for which that person does not have an attorney, may ask for an immediate conference with the Yuma City Prosecutor prior to being arraigned. The purpose for the conference is to discuss the potential for plea agreements. Although settlement at time of the arraignment often occurs, each case is different and some cases cannot be resolved without further court action.

Explanation of Victim's Rights

To be informed of rights at various stages of the process.
To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity.
To receive notice of proceedings.
To receive notice of offender’s release.
To attend proceedings.
To be heard at proceedings.
To confer with the prosecutor.
To a speedy trial and disposition.
To refuse an interview with the Defendant or defense attorney.
To prompt restitution.