Superior Court to Participate in 2024 Veterans StandDown

PHOENIX (March 20, 2024) – The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is set to participate in the 2024 Veterans StandDown event, March 21-22 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix. The criminal and family court departments, in addition to the Law Library Resource Center and the Adult Probation Department, will be present to provide expedited services for those in attendance.

More than 125 Superior Court criminal cases are expected to be heard at the event, which is designed to provide one-stop services for veterans and their families from across Maricopa County who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.  

“When I reflect on the history of a ‘standdown’ from a military perspective and it being a time for those exhausted from combat to be able to recover and rest in a safe and secure place, it is a privilege to be able to help those still exhausted from their time serving our country and facing the many challenges of daily life post-service,” said Superior Court Judge Kerstin LeMaire. “The array of services is truly amazing, from help with legal issues, to haircuts to help prepare for job interviews, job referrals, medical services including mental healthcare and drug-rehabilitation services, housing/shelter assistance, and even veterinary services. When I walked through the event in the past, it was humbling to see the community coming together to help those who served our country.” 

Through the “Be Connected” program, criminal cases were pre-screened to expedite judicial decisions, such as some requests to reduce fines or fees. In addition, judges will consider requests for early termination of probation or the need to resolve outstanding warrants. Walk-in requests for judicial services will be accommodated by the 14 participating judicial officers from the Superior Court in Maricopa County.  

Family Department staff will provide information on process and programs in family court, including issues related to parenting time, legal decision-making, and child support. 

The Law Library Resource Center will have team members available to provide necessary court forms and assistance with completing those forms. This includes forms and processes to modify child support and parenting plans, restore rights, seal criminal records, and expunge marijuana convictions. 

During the StandDown event, Maricopa County Adult Probation Department staff assist with resolving payment delinquencies and assisting individuals with reengaging in their probation grants. The probation department encourages veteran clients to attend who are struggling with homelessness, unemployment, or other challenges reintegrating into civilian life in order to access the support they need through longer-term support networks. 

The event is sponsored by the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance. Established in 2013, the alliance is a program of the Arizona Housing Coalition, which holds annual events and resource fairs across the state, including one of the nation’s largest events of its kind – the annual Maricopa County StandDown. 

For more information on the event, visit: 
https://www.azhousingcoalition.org/avsa