Departments

Public Defender

Recieving legal assistance from an attorney

If you are facing criminal or traffic charges in the Pascua Yaqui Nation, we may be able to assist you.

The Court will only appoint our office to represent you if:

  • You are facing jail time
  • If you are unable to afford an attorney

If you do not qualify for counsel because your income is too high, or you are not facing jail time, we may be able to help you by providing limited scope representation.

We accept walk-ins, but to ensure that you are able to meet with an attorney to discuss your case, we recommend that you schedule an appointment by contacting our main line at (520) 883-5013.

What does “limited scope representation” mean?

If our office is not appointed to represent you in tribal court, this means that our office cannot file motions on your behalf, appear in court or negotiate plea agreements with prosecutors.

We can, however, explain to you your rights and help you understand how criminal and traffic cases are treated on the reservation. We can also review plea agreements and disclosure, so you understand how to address your case when speaking with the Tribe and the Court. If you need additional services, our office may be able to refer you to other lawyers, advocates, programs, or agencies that may be able to better assist your case needs.

Other services our office provides

Healing to Wellness

Did you know that the Pascua Yaqui Public Defender’s Office participates in the Healing to Wellness Court program?  This remarkable program has been recognized by other tribes as a model program.  It helps qualifying community members who are charged with crimes to achieve a sober and healthy lifestyle that can improve their lives, as well as the lives of their families and community for years.  The program currently has about 16 participants who are in the process of gaining coping skills, becoming sober and ultimately getting their criminal cases dismissed.  Many participants enjoy the classes and social connections they have made so much that they continue to attend classes even after their program is completed and their cases are dismissed.  To learn more about Healing to Wellness and to see if you qualify, call our main line at (520) 883-5013.  

Southern Arizona Legal Begin Again Expungement Project

This project is comprised of three attorneys dedicated to marijuana expungement work and the work of incarceration re-entry. Contact can be made at (520) 623-9465 ext. 4420 and Expunge@sazlegalaid.org

Arizona Expungement Coalition Flyer

Azexpunge.org is another organization helping with marijuana conviction expungements throughout Arizona.

Pima County Legal Clinic

Pima County Public Defense Services holds a free walk-in legal clinic every Wednesday.  The clinic provides services and/or information about: civil rights restoration; misdemeanor designation of felony convictions; quashing warrants; referrals to lower courts; community services; and constitutional rights.  The clinic is open to the public and individuals are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The clinic is held at the Pima County Public Defender’s Office, 33 N. Stone, 21st floor, every Wednesday from 9AM to noon and 1PM to 4PM.  For more information about the clinic and the services that are—and are not—provided, please call (520) 724-2285.

Warrant Court

Warrant Resolution Night Court for Pima County and Tucson City Court Cases!

Location: 240 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701

For more information: (520) 724-3171

Resolve Outstanding Warrants and Warrant Resolution

Available Services: Reinstate your driver’s license; schedule a new court date; quash your warrant; create a payment plan.

Other Resources

Restore Your Rights Click Here 

Know Your Rights in Criminal Arrests

Your Rights

  • You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
  • You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.
  • If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
  • You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
  • Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.

Your Responsibilities

  • Do stay calm and be polite.
  • Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
  • Do not lie or give false documents.

Basic Information

Hours of operation: 8AM to 5PM, weekdays.

Location: 4725 W. Calle Tetakusim, Bldg. B. Tucson, AZ 85757

Phone: (520) 883-5013