ARS 13-4438: Statement of rights
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-4438 on statement of rights, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
As Seen On
Recognized By
Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-4438
A.R.S. § 13-4438 is the Arizona statute on statement of rights. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
In order to assure that any victim who comes before the court has been advised of the victim’s constitutional rights, the following statement shall be prominently posted in each superior, justice of the peace and municipal court in this state and shall be read out loud by a judge of the superior court at the daily commencement of the regular criminal docket at which accused persons are arraigned, appear for a status conference, make a change of plea or are sentenced:
If you are the victim of a crime with a case pending before this court, you are advised that you have rights to justice and due process under Arizona law that, among others, include the right to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, to a speedy trial and a prompt and final conclusion of the case, to be present at court proceedings, to choose whether or not to be interviewed by the defendant or the defendant’s attorney, to be heard before the court makes a decision on release, negotiation of a plea, scheduling and sentencing and to receive restitution from a person who is convicted of causing your loss. If you have not already been provided with a written statement of all victims’ rights, please contact the victim services division of the prosecutor’s office.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-4438, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/19/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Related Statutes in Chapter 40 — Crime Victims’ Rights
How § 13-4438 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-4438 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
Call 623-321-4699 for a confidential consultation, 24/7.
Awards & Recognition
Our recognition for Phoenix criminal defense defense is independently verified, click any award to confirm it:
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Elite Lawyer 2026 – Criminal Defense
- Super Lawyers – Southwest
- National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
When you are looking for the best Phoenix criminal defense lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement.
What Clients Say About Tamou Law
Real Google reviews from clients we have defended across Phoenix and Maricopa County. Every review is from a criminal defense client, never padded with non-legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-4438?
A.R.S. § 13-4438 is the Arizona statute on statement of rights. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-4438?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/19/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.






