 |
What is the difference between the Town of Payson Attorney's Office and the Gila County Attorney's Office? |
|
Where can I get a copy of an ordinance or provision of the Town Code? |
|
Is the Town of Payson Attorney's Office "my lawyer" if I live in the Town? |
|
If I receive a subpoena from the Town Prosecutor, do I have to go to court? |
|
Can I file a complaint against my neighbor with the Town Attorney's Office? |
|
How can I make a complaint against an employee or a Town Department? |
|
What rights do I have as a crime victim, and how can the Town Attorney's Office assist me? |
|
How can I get copies of current State Laws, or proposed State legislation? |
| CLICK ON ANY QUESTION ABOVE TO GET THE ANSWER! |
 |
|
What is the difference between the Town of Payson Attorney's Office and the Gila County Attorney's Office? |
A: |
The Gila County Attorney's Office is a county department headed by an elected County Attorney.
It engages in criminal prosecution of all felony matters in Gila County (such as murder, robbery, sexual assault) and
prosecution of all criminal misdemeanors outside of the four incorporated cities in the county. It also represents the county
as its attorney in all civil matters. |
| |
The
Town Attorney's Office has both civil representation functions and criminal prosecution functions.
The office is headed by the Town Attorney, Samuel Streichman, who is appointed by the Town Council. The Town
Attorney represents the Town of Payson as its attorney and advises the Mayor and Town Council, Town Manager, Department
Heads and Town related Council Advisory Committees on all legal matters that may affect the Town's interest(s).
The Town Attorney's Office also has a criminal prosecution division, overseen by the Town Attorney and managed
by the Deputy Town Attorney/Prosecutor, Tim Wright. The office prosecutes all State and Town Code misdemeanor offenses that
occur within the Town limits and advises city enforcement personnel. |
|
Where can I get a copy of an ordinance or provision of the Town Code? |
A: |
The Town's Code is now available on-line or you may contact the Town Clerk's Office at 928-474-5242 x211. |
|
|
Is the Town of Payson Attorney's Office "my lawyer" if I live in the Town? |
A: |
No. The Town Attorney's Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office
represent Town departments and agencies in the course of their "business" as Town entities, employees acting within
the course of their employment, and the State of Arizona on criminal misdemeanor matters. Private legal matters must be
handled by attorneys retained by the individual. For referral numbers, see the local phonebook for attorney ads or contact the
State Bar of Arizona in Phoenix at (602)252-4804. You may also wish to check with Legal Aid at 1-800-852-9075. |
|
|
If I receive a subpoena from the Town Prosecutor, do I have to go to court? |
A: |
Yes, you do. Failure to appear in court in response to a subpoena is a violation of a court order. The court may send a
law enforcement officer to arrest you if you do not appear. However, if your subpoena indicates that you may be placed on
call, contact the witness coordinator at the number provided on the subpoena and provide a means of contact on the trial date.
If you are called on the trial date, you then must appear promptly. You must also appear if summoned for jury duty. |
|
Can I file a complaint against my neighbor with the Town Attorney's Office? |
A: |
No. The Town Attorney's Office is not an investigative agency. Any violations of the law must be reported through the
local law enforcement agency - usually the Payson Police Department at (928) 474-5177 or locally dial 911 for an
emergency. If the complaint involves compliance with the Town's Unified Development Code, contact the Community Development Department at 928-474- 5252 x384. |
|
|
How can I make a complaint against an employee or a Town Department? |
A: |
The Town Attorney's Offices does not have supervisory authority over any other Town Departments or employees. All complaints about Town Departments should be directed to the Town Manager. |
|
What rights do I have as a crime victim, and how can the Town Attorney's Office assist me? |
A: |
Under Arizona law, crime victims have certain rights. The Town Prosecutor's Office can explain victim rights, how to exercise those rights and how the criminal justice system works as it relates to a misdemeanor crime victim. For more information, please call 474-5242 x277 or email the Town Prosecutor. |
|
How can I get copies of current State Laws, or proposed State legislation? |
A: |
Arizona Revised Statutes, as well as proposed State legislation can be found at www.azleg.gov. |
|
