In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
What sentence will I get if I plead guilty?
The judge imposes the sentence. However, certain offenses have mandatory sentences, meaning a judge cannot order a lesser sentence than is required. Other offenses allow a judge to use discretion to determine the appropriate sentence. If a charge has a mandatory sentence, the judge will inform you of that during the sentencing proceeding.