Phoenix Municipal Court

What this court handles

The court hears misdemeanors and criminal traffic offenses committed within the City of Phoenix, along with civil traffic violations, city code matters, and orders of protection. Felonies are only here briefly, if at all — they move to the Maricopa County Superior Court. Common criminal calendars include DUI, domestic violence, assault, shoplifting, and driving on a suspended license.

Getting there

The courthouse is at 300 W Washington St in downtown Phoenix, between 3rd and 4th Avenues. Paid parking garages and lots surround the building, and the Valley Metro light rail stops within walking distance. Arrive early: security screening lines are long in the morning, and courtrooms do not wait. Bring photo ID and your citation or release paperwork.

Looking up your case or court date

Case information, payment options, and court dates are available through the court’s services on phoenix.gov, or by calling the court at (602) 262-6421. If you missed a court date, act immediately — a failure to appear generates a warrant and a license suspension, and both get worse with time.

Before you walk in

People routinely plead guilty at arraignment in municipal court just to get it over with — to charges that carry jail exposure, license consequences, and permanent records an attorney could often have reduced or resolved through diversion. Talk to a Phoenix criminal defense attorney before your first appearance; in many cases we can appear for you.