Legal Arizona Worker's Act Enforcement Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In this program, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) work together to investigate and enforce the Legal Arizona Workers Act (LAWA), Arizona Revised Statues 23-211 et seq. The MCAO and the MCSO review complaints received from the public regarding employers in Maricopa County who may be hiring unauthorized workers. When allegations are credible, the MCSO conducts an investigation to determine whether a civil LAWA violation is occurring or if related criminal conduct is present and forwards the matter to MCAO for prosecution. Based on credible complaints received, the MCSO has investigated 27 businesses in Maricopa County. As a result of the investigations, 212 persons have been arrested and prosecuted for the criminal offenses of identity theft and forgery. Additionally, two civil LAWA complaints have been filed against businesses in Maricopa County with one company entering into a stipulated judgment.