City Attorney

Article 4, Section 4 of the Charter of the City of Scottsdale establishes the City Attorney as the chief legal advisor of all offices, departments and agencies and of all officers and employees in matters relating to their official powers and duties. The City Attorney reports to and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The office supports legal and advocacy services that assist the organization to enhance the quality of life within Scottsdale and build trust in the integrity of City government.

The City Attorney's Office consists of four departments:

The Civil Department focuses on issues relating to local government law, such as public finance, land use, public records, taxation, open meetings, public safety and condemnation. Other areas of practice include litigation in state and federal courts, torts, claims, contracts, real estate, employment, environmental, construction, administrative and Constitutional law.

The Civil Department is responsible for drafting or reviewing all legal documents including resolutions and ordinances presented to City Council, contracts, leases, and deeds to which the City is party.

The Prosecution Department is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor offenses in the City of Scottsdale, including DUI and other traffic violations, domestic violence, juvenile status offenses and all other misdemeanor crimes.

This department also provides support for the Public Safety Department and the Photo Radar Program and represents the City of Scottsdale in all court proceedings required to prosecute offenders and to support the mission and goals of the City Council.

Felony cases occurring within the City of Scottsdale are prosecuted by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

The Safety and Risk Management Department serves and supports City employees, residents, and visitors with expertise in the areas of safety, loss prevention, insurance, contractual risk transfer, and claims.

The Victim Services Department provides legally mandated victim notification services as well as professional level victim advocacy to misdemeanor crime victims in the City of Scottsdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Civil

The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council.

The Scottsdale City Attorney's Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters and cannot provide any legal advice to individuals. Attorneys in the office represent the City of Scottsdale's elected officials and staff, City departments, and the City's boards and commissions

Please refer to Scottsdale Police Department Internal Affairs.

Please contact Joe Padilla in the City Attorney's Office by phone at 480-312-2405

Prosecution

Only defendants with open cases may obtain copies of their own police reports from the Prosecutor's Office. If you are a defendant, you must deliver or mail a written request with your appropriate fee (see schedule below) to the Prosecutor's Office. Discovery Request Form(PDF) - Complete, Print and Mail.

State Reproduction
Non DUI Report - No fee
DUI Report - No fee
On Body Camera File(s) - No fee
All Other Audio/Video File(s) - No fee
Jail DVD (If Applicable) - No fee

We will make every attempt to process your request within 10 business days of receipt. If requesting the jail video recording, you must make a written request within 30 days of the arrest, beyond that time the jail video may be destroyed in the normal course of business. If you request the jail video, a cost may be assessed even if you do not pick up or use the recording.

Please read the subpoena carefully and call the phone number indicated.

Under certain circumstances a Plea By Mail may be available if you reside out of state. Please submit a request in writing to the Scottsdale City Court

Please contact the Prosecutor's Office at the 480-312-2710. Please have your case information ready and included on any documents. Fax documents to 480-312-7795

If your case is a misdemeanor and being handled in Scottsdale City Court, contact the prosecutor at 480-312-2710. Please have your case information ready.

This website has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The Scottsdale City Attorney's Office only represents the City of Scottsdale, its agencies, officials, and employees on matters of public business and cannot provide legal advice to residents nor can it refer residents to private attorneys.

Department Information

Sherry R. Scott, City Attorney
Civil
3939 N Drinkwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-2405
F: 480-312-2545
[email protected]
Prosecution
3700 N 75th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-2710
F: 480-312-7795
[email protected]
Safety and Risk Management
7447 E Indian School Road, Ste 225
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-2490
F: 480-312-4232
[email protected]
Victim Services
3700 N. 75th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
P: 480-312-4226
F: 480-312-9004
[email protected]