The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights week (April 6-12) by recognizing the role Branch employees play in working with individuals who are victims of crimes to provide support in accessing information from the courts and connecting them with crucial resources.

While National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is recognized during a span of seven days, the Judicial Branch is dedicated to supporting victims of crime year-round. All areas of the Branch, including Superior Court and Juvenile and Adult Probation, offer various services. For Branch employees who work directly or indirectly with victims of crimes, responsibilities include managing notifications to victims, providing case updates, helping them navigate the court system, assisting with necessary paperwork and informing victims of their rights. Another key aspect is connecting victims to crucial resources such as counseling, legal assistance and financial aid.

“Working with victims of crime is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to make a direct, positive impact on individuals’ lives during their most vulnerable moments,” said Lizbeth Saldana Urbieta, Juvenile Probation Department Victims’ Rights Coordinator. “I believe that every victim deserves to be treated with respect, empathy and dignity. Many are incredibly thankful for the information and support we provide and seeing them become more confident in navigating the system is truly rewarding.”

Urbieta and her team will be recognized for their work this week with a Service Coordination Award presented by the Office of the Arizona Attorney General at a ceremony. The award is bestowed upon a group of individuals or an organization that has been instrumental in establishing comprehensive, coordinated, multi-disciplinary approaches to serving crime victims within its community or jurisdiction.

“Receiving this award was unexpected, but it is deeply appreciated as a recognition of the hard work and dedication of not only myself but also for the unit,” added Urbieta. “It reinforces the importance of our work and highlights the collective difference we make in the lives of crime victims.”

This year’s theme of KINSHIP is a call to action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime; with KINSHIP serving as a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections and increases access to services, rights and healing.

The Judicial Branch is dedicated to involving victims in the process, when possible, as required by the Victims’ Bill of Rights.

“Every day, every court calendar begins with the reading of the victims’ rights court advisement,” said Nicole Garcia, Criminal Department Administrator. “During proceedings, victims are permitted to address the Court at several hearings, including giving impact statements at sentencing if they choose.”

The Superior Court also has a history of incorporating the victim perspective in the following ways:

  • Provides private rooms designated for victims throughout the South Court Tower.
  • Provides accommodations for service animals to assist victims who testify at hearings and trials.
  • Allows victims and family members to attend court hearings remotely.  
    Holds hearings daily to allow victims to obtain orders of protection.

Additionally, victims’ rights were considered in traffic patterns during South Court Tower courtroom design to minimize the potential of crossing paths with defendants or friends and family of defendants. The Criminal Presiding Judge sits on the Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Victims in the Court.  Criminal Department leadership has also assisted in implementing new legislation allowing victims of certain crimes to obtain lifetime injunctions.  

To learn more about the Judicial Branch’s efforts and victim services resources throughout Maricopa County, please visit: Victim Services Agencies | Maricopa County Superior Courts.

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