Maricopa County Justice Courts

What justice courts handle

On the criminal side: misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses — DUI, assault, theft, criminal speeding — typically from arrests by the Sheriff’s Office, DPS troopers on the freeways, or in unincorporated areas. Justice courts also hold felony initial appearances and preliminary hearings before cases move to the Superior Court, and on the civil side they handle evictions, small claims, civil suits up to $10,000, and orders of protection.

Finding your precinct

The county is divided into justice precincts, each with its own courthouse — from Highland and San Tan in the southeast Valley to Hassayampa in the northwest. Your paperwork names the precinct; the justice courts’ website at justicecourts.maricopa.gov has each courthouse’s address, phone, and case lookup. Going to the wrong courthouse is a genuinely common way to miss a court date, so verify the precinct before you drive.

How justice courts differ from city courts

The procedure is similar, but the prosecuting agency differs — the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office rather than a city prosecutor — which changes who you negotiate with and how offers work. DPS freeway cases (criminal speeding above all) are a justice court staple, and many resolve to civil violations with the right approach.

Whichever precinct holds your case, the calculus is the same as any criminal court: know what you are charged with, know what resolution is realistic, and do not learn either at the podium. A criminal defense attorney who works these courts can usually tell you both in one conversation.