Criminal Justice Reform in Arizona
Helping Arizonans Get, Keep, and Succeed at a Second Chance
Our goal is to advance criminal justice reform in Arizona to build a stronger and more fair criminal justice system so that Arizonans can get, keep, and succeed at a second chance by eliminating harmful fines and fees and reforming youth sentencing guidelines.
Our Wins for a Stronger, More Fair Criminal Justice System
Starting in 2022, we led the fight to eliminate fines and fees for kids in the criminal justice system. These fees kept kids stuck in the criminal justice system long after they had completed their sentence—and it often fell on their families to pay the fines and fees affecting their financial situation as well. When the bill finally passed and was signed into law in 2023, it resulted in eliminating $40 million in fees for 110,000 kids.
After that, we turned our attention to the fees charged to adults. We started with the fees for public defenders, jury trials, and appeals—three constitutional rights guaranteed to us by the 6th and 14th amendments. Like the fees charged to kids, these fees could keep Arizonans entangled in the criminal justice system for years after they completed their sentence. In 2026, we were able to pass a bill eliminating these fees that Governor Hobbs signed into law.
Our work is not over.
We’re continuing to work toward a stronger, more fair criminal justice system and truly giving Arizonans a second chance. This year, we’re redoubling our efforts to eliminate juvenile life without parole sentences. And we’re working to take our victory from last year one step further by eliminating predatory practices associated with court fee debt collectors.
Ending Juvenile Life Without Parole in Arizona
Right now, a kid who was at the wrong place at the wrong time can be sentenced to spend their entire life in prison with no possibility of parole. States like Texas, Arkansas, and Kansas have already eliminated these sentences, leaving Arizona as one of only 22 states that still allows this sentence.
Kids deserve second chances. Kids sentenced to juvenile life without parole are described as “low-impact releases.” Making them eligible for parole after either 25 or 35 years gives them that chance.
Eliminating Arizona’s Poverty Fees
Being poor can be expensive and it can keep people entangled in the criminal justice system. Arizona currently charges fees if a debt collector is needed to collect unpaid fines and fees and interest on the unpaid balances.
We should not be further penalizing poverty. We’re targeting the fees that are essentially taxes on poverty and prevent Arizonans from being able to get a fair shake at a second chance.
Other Priorities
We also support criminal justice bills as part of a coalition of organizations working to build a stronger criminal justice system including funding the Independent Correctional Oversight Office—which was established in 2025 but has not yet received funding.
Want to help us fight for a stronger, more fair criminal justice system?
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Read MORe:
Stand for Children Arizona Statement on Governor Hobbs Signing HB…
Stand for Children Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Gau released the following statement about Governor Hobbs signing HB 2265 into law on Friday, June 19th. HB 2265 would eliminate court fees for jury trials,…
Things to Know About Juvenile Fees
If you owe court fees or cost from your or your child’s juvenile delinquency case, you can ask the court to vacate (cancel) your fees.
Press Release: GOVERNOR HOBBS SIGNS HISTORIC SB1197 IN SPECIAL CEREMONY:…
(PHOENIX, AZ) – In a landmark moment yesterday, Governor Katie Hobbs gathered youth justice advocates and the team from Stand for Children Arizona for a ceremonial signing of SB1197. T
In the news:
Arizona Capitol Times
Arizona governor signs bill to end several criminal court fees
Criminal defendants no longer have to pay for court-appointed counsel, jury trials and appeals after the governor signed a bipartisan bill passed this session.
Arizona Capitol Times
Arizona erases $40M in court fees for juvenile delinquents
Courts across Arizona have wiped nearly $40 million in outstanding fees from juveniles’ records to comply with a new state law. Now, proponents of the measure …
Arizona Capitol Times
Bill aims at removing criminal court fees for adults
With momentum from a successful effort to end select court fees levied on juveniles, lawmakers are looking to end certain costs for adult criminal defendants.
AZCentral
Arizona must reform juvenile life sentences – Opinion
Arizona remains among a shrinking number of states that allow life without parole for children convicted of homicide. These cases involve devastating harm …
