Were you recently accused of committing a traffic offense or misdemeanor crime within the city of Tempe, Arizona? If so, you can expect your case to be heard in Tempe Municipal Court. Local court rules and regulations could have a profound impact on the outcome of your case. For this reason, it is important that you understand how the court system handles cases like yours and maintain courtroom etiquette.
You may have many questions regarding your pending court date. Your strategically aggressive Tempe criminal defense lawyer from Steven George Law can get you the answers you need when you need them the most. Here is more about what to expect when you are ordered to appear in Tempe Municipal Court, court payment options and arrangements, and how to get in contact with your local municipal court.
A Warning From Tempe Municipal Court
According to Rule 122.1, Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona, courthouse visitors are prohibited from using electronic devices to broadcast, record, or photograph people in the courthouse or courtroom activities without consent. Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in a contempt of court citation.
What Happens When You Receive a Misdemeanor or Traffic Ticket in Tempe Municipal Court?
When you receive a traffic ticket or are charged with a misdemeanor offense, your case will likely be heard in Tempe Municipal Court if the offense happened in Tempe.Here is a general overview of what to expect:
Arraignment in Tempe Municipal Court
At arraignment, you have the opportunity to enter your plea. There are three potential pleas, including:
- Guilty
- Not guilty
- No contest
If you were taken into police custody on a misdemeanor offense, the judge will also determine whether bail should be set and, if so, how much. If you are granted bail, you will need to pay your bail bond to secure your release.The judge will also make a determination on what your release conditions are. Some release conditions can include:
- Remain in the state of Arizona
- No contact with the alleged victim
- Do not possess or consume alcohol
- Do not possess or consume drugs without a valid prescription
- Do not possess animals
- No negative contact with law enforcement
- Do not return to the scene of the alleged crime
Pre-trial Conference
Your pre-trial conference is an opportunity for your attorney to check in with the prosecutor on the status of the case. This can include discussing any outstanding discovery issues, and whether the charges against you can be reduced to a less serious offense or dismissed entirely. The prosecutor may offer a settlement in exchange for receiving a lesser sentence. After consulting with your attorney, you will have the option of accepting or rejecting the prosecutor’s settlement offer. If you reject the prosecutor’s settlement offer, your case will eventually go to trial.
Tempe Municipal Court Trials
Depending on the type of crime you were accused of committing, your case could be heard by a jury or the judge presiding over it. Some of your rights at trial can include:
- The right to hear all testimony and evidence against you
- The right to cross-examine witnesses
- The right not to testify or to testify on your own behalf
- The right to call witnesses to testify on your behalf
- The right to have the court subpoena witnesses to compel them to appear at your trial
The prosecutor is required to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction, according to the Arizona Judicial Branch’s Criminal Trial Process. If you are found not guilty, you will be released without penalty. However, if you are found guilty, you will either be sentenced at a later date or immediately following your guilty verdict.
Paying Court Fees and Restitution in Tempe Municipal Court
Generally, when you are sentenced and ordered to pay court fees or restitution, you will be expected to do so that same day. If you cannot afford the costs upfront, you may be able to set up a payment arrangement.
Court Fees
When paying court fines and fees, you can only do so between the hours of 2:01 a.m. and 10:59 p.m. The Tempe Municipal Court allows you to make payments in person with cash, cashier’s check, personal check, certified check, money order, and MasterCard, Discover, Visa, and American Express credit and debit cards. If your payment is returned, a $25 fee will be added to your restitution or fee payments.
To make your payment by mail, send a copy of your infraction, complaint, or case number to:
Tempe Municipal Court
Financial Services
140 East 5th Street, Suite 150,
Tempe, AZ
85281
Additionally, the Tempe Municipal Court has a payment dropbox directly in front of the court building, located on 5th Street.
Failure to pay your court-ordered fees can have serious consequences. Your bill could be sent to a debt collector, which could negatively impact your credit or your account could be sent to the Arizona Department of Revenue to allow your tax return to be submitted to BCE, and you could be assessed additional penalties and charges.
Restitution Payments
If you are ordered to do so, restitution payments can be made to any victims in your case by paying the Tempe Municipal Court directly. These funds will then be disbursed to the victim by the court. If your insurance company is covering a portion of your restitution payments, they can make the payment directly to the courthouse. Alternatively, you may be able to provide proof of your restitution payment to the court so they can ensure your payment records are accurately reflected.
Tempe Municipal Court Contact Information
Tempe Municipal Court is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have a court date scheduled, appear at the following address:
You can reach the courthouse by calling (480) 350-8271.
Contact a High-Powered Tempe Criminal Defense Law Firm Today
As long as you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime or cited for a traffic offense that occurred within Tempe city limits, you can expect your case to be heard in Tempe Municipal Court. You may have a better understanding of how the legal process unfolds when you are facing a citation or criminal charges, but that does not necessarily mean you feel confident defending yourself. Hire a skilled Tempe criminal defense lawyer with the trial experience you need to win.
Steven George Law has extensive knowledge and years of experience defending the accused in Tempe Municipal Court. We have built relationships with local judges, district attorneys, and other court officials and have insight into how they may approach your case. Take steps to protect your future and avoid the serious penalties that come with a criminal conviction when you contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation. Fill out our secure contact form or call us to schedule your initial defense strategy session as soon as today.
