Arizona § 26-1038 - Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 26-1038 — Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26-1038. Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel

A. The trial counsel of a general or special court-martial shall prosecute in the name of the state and shall prepare, under the direction of the court, the record of the proceedings.

B. The accused has the right to be represented in his defense before a general or special court-martial or at an investigation as provided in this section.

C. The accused may be represented by civilian counsel if provided by him.

D. The accused may be represented by military counsel detailed under section 26-1027 or by military counsel of his own selection if that counsel is reasonably available.

E. If the accused is represented by civilian counsel, military counsel shall act as associate counsel unless excused at the request of the accused.

F. Except as provided by subsection G of this section, if the accused is represented by military counsel of his own selection, any military counsel detailed shall be excused.

G. The accused is not entitled to be represented by more than one military counsel. However, the person authorized under rules adopted under section 26-1027 to detail counsel in his sole discretion:

1. May detail additional military counsel as assistant defense counsel.

2. If the accused is represented by military counsel of his own selection, may approve a request from the accused that military counsel detailed act as associate defense counsel.

H. The adjutant general, by rule, shall define "reasonably available" for the purpose of subsection D of this section and establish procedures for determining whether the military counsel selected by an accused is reasonably available. These rules shall not prescribe any limitation based on the reasonable availability of counsel solely on the grounds that the counsel selected by the accused is from a component of the national guard other than the component of which the accused is a member. To the maximum extent practicable, these rules shall be consistent with the regulations governing the military forces of the United States.

I. In any court-martial proceeding resulting in a conviction, the defense counsel may:

1. Forward for attachment to the record of proceedings a brief of those matters he determines should be considered in behalf of the accused on review, including any objection to the contents of the record which he considers appropriate.

2. Assist the accused in the submission of any matter under section 26-1060.

3. Take other action authorized by this chapter.

J. Under the direction of the trial counsel or if he is qualified to be a trial counsel, an assistant trial counsel of a general court-martial may perform any duty imposed by law, rule or the custom of the service on the trial counsel of the court. An assistant trial counsel of a special court-martial may perform any duty of the trial counsel.

K. Under the direction of the defense counsel or if he is qualified to be the defense counsel, an assistant defense counsel of a general or special court-martial may perform any duty imposed by law, rule or the custom of the service on counsel for the accused.

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 26-1038

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 26-1038 cover?

Section 26-1038 ("Duties of trial counsel and defense counsel") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arizona § 26-1038?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 26-1038" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 26-1038 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.