Mohave County Attorney's Office reveals case backlog and staffing challenges

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues, primarily focusing on the operations and challenges faced by the County Attorney's Office. The meeting highlighted significant growth in both the county's population and the corresponding increase in criminal cases, which has placed considerable strain on the legal system.

The County Attorney, who has served since 1987, provided an overview of the office's responsibilities, emphasizing that all felony prosecutions in Mohave County are handled by their team. The office has seen a dramatic rise in the number of felony cases, with over 3,000 cases reviewed in 2024 alone, including more than 1,000 drug-related cases. The attorney noted that the office is currently managing a backlog of 603 cases, with many pending for over six months due to insufficient staffing.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of handling misdemeanor cases, which have increased significantly, leading to a caseload of approximately 550 cases per attorney. The attorney highlighted the complexities involved in prosecuting DUIs and domestic violence cases, which require careful handling due to the sensitive nature of the victims involved.

A notable point of concern raised during the meeting was the disparity in resources compared to neighboring counties. Despite Mohave County's population growth—now exceeding 226,000—there has been minimal increase in the number of prosecutors, which currently stands at 19. This is in stark contrast to Yavapai County, which has a similar population but employs 32 prosecutors. The attorney expressed concerns about burnout among staff due to overwhelming caseloads, which has led to turnover and difficulty in recruitment.

The meeting concluded with a call for additional resources, including funding for previously frozen positions and the introduction of an attorney intern program aimed at attracting local talent. The attorney expressed optimism that these initiatives could help alleviate some of the pressures faced by the office and improve service delivery to the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for enhanced support for the County Attorney's Office to effectively manage the growing demands of Mohave County's legal system.