Can an AB 109 Release Transfer Probation to Arizona?

AB 109 realignment shifted responsibility for certain low-level felony offenders from the state prison system to local county supervision, specifically county jail and mandatory supervision handled by county probation departments. Because the supervision is county-based, any transfer request goes through the probation department, not the courts. Going back to court to ask for the transfer is not the right channel. The probation officer and their department handle interstate transfer requests under the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, which is the formal mechanism that allows supervised individuals to move between states.

Having a verified job offer in Arizona is one of the strongest arguments you can make for the transfer. Get that offer in writing from the employer, and make sure the employer understands they may be contacted by a probation officer to confirm the position is real and available. A documented job waiting in the receiving state is exactly what compact officers look for when evaluating whether the move serves rehabilitation rather than undermines it.

The second supporting argument is family. If there is a documented support network in Arizona, people who will provide stable housing and accountability, that adds significant weight to the case. Probation officers and interstate compact reviewers want to see that the person is moving toward stability, not away from accountability.

The process takes time and requires Arizona to accept the transfer before California will allow the move. Starting the conversation with the probation officer early gives the paperwork the runway it needs to clear before any planned move date.