Arizona
This page provides a breakdown of all major developments and right to counsel
law that the NCCRC knows for this state, sorted by subject area. Click on
either tab below to see the aspect it describes.
| Color Key |
Explanation |
|
Categorical Right To Counsel
|
There is a right to counsel without qualification for all indigent individuals in this type of case (except that the individual may be required to request counsel). |
|
Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
|
Courts are permitted but not required to appoint counsel for any indigent individual in this type of case. A request may be required. |
|
Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
|
The established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including: the only authority comes from a lower/intermediate court decision or a city government, not a high court or state legislature; a case has cast doubt on prior authority; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all individuals or proceedings within that type of case. |
|
No Such Proceeding
|
This state has no law creating a judicial proceeding of this type. |
|
No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
|
While this state does not provide for or require appointment of counsel with respect to the given subject area, it does have something (such as a report or bar policy) that supports the right to or appointment of counsel for this subject area. |
|
Other
|
Because the "Other subject areas” category can include developments from different subject areas that do not work the same way as each other, a blanket categorization of this category is not possible. |
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
AZ bill would have provided counsel to individuals in matters related to child abuse registry
02/01/2024
A bill would've provided a right to counsel to persons in child abuse registry matters, but the provision was removed.
|
The NCCRC submitted testimony in support of the bill.
|
Read more about this
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
Indigent defendant parents have a right to counsel in a variety of abuse/neglect proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Right to counsel
There is likely a constitutional right to counsel for parents in dependency cases.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
yes
Read more about this
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Arizona establishes right to counsel for kids in child welfare cases
04/23/2021
Juveniles have the right to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect proceedings regardless of indigency.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Arizona Supreme Court held that due process sometimes requires courts to appoint independent counsel for minors in dependency proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
no
Read more about this
Adult Protective Proceedings - Protected Person (incomplete)
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel regarding the removal of legal rights of an alleged incapacitated person and placement in protective services.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
All Basic Human Needs
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
Arizona courts have the inherent power to appoint counsel in any civil case.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
no
Read more about this
Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
A court must appoint counsel upon request for minors seeking to bypass the parental consent requirement for an abortion.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Civil Contempt in Family Court
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court can appoint counsel for some contempt matters against parents that relate to minors.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
yes
Read more about this
Civil Commitment
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
A statute provides a right to counsel for indigent adults and system-involved minors in mental health commitment matters.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Forfeiture (incomplete)
Legislation (dead): civil forfeiture
01/24/2017
A bill would have required the public defender to be appointed in civil forfeiture proceedings.
Read more about this
Custody Disputes - Children
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court can appoint counsel for a child in dissolution cases in some situations.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
no
Read more about this
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The Arizona Supreme Court held that due process sometimes requires courts to appoint independent counsel for minors in custody proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
no
Read more about this
Employment Discrimination
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel
A court may, as it deems just, appoint counsel for an employment discrimination plaintiff.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
yes
Read more about this
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
Minors have a RTC in temp. conservatorship cases and may have a RTC in proceedings for the appointment or removal of a guardian or conservator.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
no
Read more about this
Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to Counsel
There is a right to counsel for proposed wards in guardianships, conversions of guardianship to inpatient care, and conservatorships.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Housing - Discrimination
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Discretionary appointment of counsel for plaintiff or defendant
A statute permits a court to appoint counsel in a housing discrimination case for either the plaintiff or defendant.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
no
Read more about this
Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for adults subject to involuntary mental health-related treatment.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Quarantine/Isolation
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for individuals and groups subject to an order of isolation or quarantine.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
The court must appoint counsel for an indigent defendant in a sexually violent person case.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
A statute provides a likely right to counsel for children in adoption proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
A minor has a right to counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
Indigent nonconsenting parents have a right to counsel in privately initiated termination proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
Indigent parents have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Right to counsel
There is likely a constitutional right to counsel for parents in termination of parental rights cases.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
yes
Read more about this
Truancy - Petition Against Child
While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes
precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
discretionary).
Right to counsel
There is a right to counsel for children in truancy (treated as incorrigibility) and for children facing institutionalization.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
no
Read more about this
Other Subject Areas
Legislation: higher education proceedings
12/14/2017
This bill would require counsel for an indigent higher education student subject to disciplinary proceeding due to allegation of a crime.
Read more about this
Right to attorney, guardian ad litem, or both
A principal has the right to an attorney, GAL, or both in matters related to their agent's ability to restrict their contact with others.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
categorical
yes
Read more about this
Discretionary appointment of guardian ad litem
The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor seeking emancipation at any time during the proceedings.
If "yes",
the established right to counsel or
discretionary appointment of counsel
is
limited
in some way, including any of: the only authority
is a
lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
not a high court or state legislature; there
has been
a subsequent case that
has
cast doubt; a statute
is
ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
is not
for all types of individuals or proceedings
within that category.
discretionary
yes
Read more about this
| Subject Area |
Status |
| Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents |
categorical |
| Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children |
categorical |
| Adult Protective Proceedings - Protected Person (incomplete) |
categorical |
| All Basic Human Needs |
discretionary |
| Benefits - Claimant |
|
| Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs) |
categorical |
| Child Support Establishment |
|
| Civil Contempt in Family Court |
qualified |
| Civil Commitment |
categorical |
| Forfeiture (incomplete) |
|
| Consumer or Other Debt |
|
| Custody Disputes - Parents |
|
| Custody Disputes - Children |
discretionary |
| Divorce |
|
| Domestic Violence - Accused Person |
|
| Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim |
|
| Education - Special Education |
|
| Employment Discrimination |
qualified |
| Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete) |
discretionary |
| Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian (incomplete) |
|
| Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person |
categorical |
| Health Care Access |
|
| Housing - Discrimination |
discretionary |
| Housing - Evictions |
|
| Housing - General |
|
| Immigration |
|
| Issues Related to Incarcerated People |
|
| Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete) |
|
| Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete) |
categorical |
| Paternity - Defendant/Respondent |
|
| Paternity - Petitioner or Child |
|
| Quarantine/Isolation |
categorical |
| Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment |
categorical |
| Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification |
|
| Sterilization |
no such proceeding |
| Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children |
categorical |
| Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children |
categorical |
| Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents |
categorical |
| Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents |
categorical |
| Truancy - Petition Against Child |
categorical |
Go back to Status Map
