PHX Reporter

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County has announced its participation in the upcoming Maricopa County Veteran StandDown, scheduled for March 13-14 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. This event is hosted by the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance.

Eight judicial officers from the branch will volunteer at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, offering their services to homeless and justice-involved veterans. The Criminal Department and Law Library Resource Center staff will provide additional resources, while the Adult Probation Department will review cases of veterans on probation and make recommendations to the court.

Deputy Criminal Department Administrator Chris Candelaria emphasized, “In our community many veterans are just one incident away from becoming homeless, and many vets are simply unaware of all the services and resources available to them.” He added that they welcome all veterans irrespective of their discharge status or military service details.

The proceedings aim to help veterans clear fines, fees, and minor legal issues that hinder employment opportunities, driver's license acquisition, or civil rights restoration. Criminal Department Administrator Nicole Garcia stated, “As members of the community, we are grateful to those who have served our country as members of the Armed Forces.”

In 2024, this event facilitated 158 hearings for 84 veterans and processed 226 motions for 102 veterans. Additionally, 186 individuals received services from the Judicial Branch.

The Maricopa County Veteran StandDown connects Arizona’s military veterans with various community resources such as healthcare, housing services, legal aid among others. Initiated in 2001 by a program under the Arizona Housing Coalition, it aims to support military veterans in multiple aspects of life improvement.

For more information about these services and events related to veteran assistance programs visit the Arizona Housing Coalition website.