CAO - Can a citizen receive legal advice from the City Attorney’s Office?
Generally, no. Attorneys in the City Attorney’s Office serve as the attorneys for City government and City officials, rather than for individual citizens. Individuals normally must retain their own attorneys for legal advice and representation.
CAO - I have a legal question/problem, who can I speak to?
You may call Lawyer’s Referral Service at 602-257-4434 or visit
The Tempe City Attorney’s Office is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CAO - How do I meet with the City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney?
Please call 480-350-8227 to request a meeting to discuss your city related issue with the City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney or Assistant City Attorney.
CAO - How do I schedule an appointment with a Prosecutor or Victims' Rights Specialist?
The Prosecutor and Victims' Rights Specialist can only discuss a case with the defendant (not represented by an attorney), a witness or a victim. To request an appointment with a Prosecutor, please call 480-350-8280. To request an appointment with the Victims' Rights Specialist, please call 480-350-8285.
CAO - How can I obtain Victims' Rights forms?
The following Victims' Rights forms are available online at City Attorney's Office: Request to Invoke Victims Rights; Victim Impact Statement; and Victim Services Statement. You may also contact the Victims' Rights Specialist at 480-350-8285.
CAO - How do I file a complaint on a business I believe is committing fraud?
Contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Fraud Division, at 602-542-5763 or visit https://www.azag.gov/consumer.
CAO - How can I get assistance with a Landlord/Tenant issue?
CAO - I believe that I am the victim of a criminal offense. How do I report the offense?
The Prosecutor’s Office is not an investigatory agency. The Tempe Police Department investigates criminal offenses. You should report all suspected criminal activity to the Tempe Police Department's non-emergency number at 480-350-8311. In the event of an emergency or a life threatening situation, please call 9-1-1.
CAO - I want to continue a court date. How do I do that?
All continuances must be granted by the City Court. You must file an appropriate motion with the City Court. You can pick up forms from the Clerk of the Court.
CAO - Where should I take complaints against a City department?
In general, if you think a City department is doing something it should not, or not doing something it should, you should contact the head of that department. Because other City departments are not supervised by the City Attorney, this office can typically address complaints only about our own employees. You may also contact the City Manager’s Office at 480-350-8221 or visit City Manager's Office if you have already contacted the Department Manager.