Arizona Criminal Courts: What You Need to Know
Arizona’s criminal court system is designed to handle a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors to felonies. Understanding where your case will be heard is crucial, as it depends on the type of crime and the location where the alleged offense occurred. Here’s a breakdown of Arizona’s criminal courts:
Types of Crimes and Their Courts
- Misdemeanors: Handled in Limited Jurisdiction Courts
Misdemeanor charges are processed in courts with limited jurisdiction, which include:
- City/Municipal CourtsCity/Municipal Courts(e.g., Scottsdale City Court, Phoenix Municipal Court, Surprise City Court, Goodyear City Court, Tempe Municipal Court, Chandler City Court, Gilbert Municipal Court, Prescott City Court, Chino Valley Court, Cottonwood Court, and Verde Valley Court).
- Justice Courts (e.g., Prescott Justice Court, West Mesa Justice Court, Desert Ridge Justice Court)
These courts deal with lesser offenses but cannot preside over felony cases.
- Felonies: Handled in Superior Courts
Felony cases are managed by Superior Courts, which have the authority to oversee more severe criminal charges.
- Superior Courts also handle misdemeanors if they are connected to a felony case.
How Location Affects Your Case
The court that handles your case is determined by the location of the alleged crime:
- Misdemeanors: Heard in the city or justice court with jurisdiction over the area.
- Felonies: Brought before the Superior Court in the corresponding county.
Arizona is divided into 15 counties, each with its own courts. If a case is filed in the wrong court, it may be dismissed and refiled in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Arizona Superior Courts (by County)
Here are the Superior Courts for each county in Arizona:
- Apache County
- Cochise County
- Coconino County
- Gila County
- Graham County
- Greenlee County
- La Paz County
- Maricopa County
- Mohave County
- Navajo County
- Pima County
- Pinal County
- Santa Cruz County
- Yavapai County
- Yuma County
Arizona Justice Courts (by County)
Justice Courts serve specific precincts within each county. For example:
- Maricopa County: Desert Ridge Justice Court, Downtown Justice Court, and more.
- Cochise County: Sierra Vista Justice Court, Douglas Justice Court, etc.
Each county has multiple Justice Courts to handle local cases.
Why This Matters
Understanding the court system can make a significant difference in how your case is handled. If you’re charged with a crime, your case must be filed in the correct court with jurisdiction over both the offense type and location. Steven George Law specializes in navigating Arizona’s criminal court system to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Arizona, contact Steven George Law for experienced legal representation. We’ll guide you through the complexities of Arizona’s court system and fight for the best possible outcome.
