Court Jurisdiction Arizona

“Many defendants want to know why they are being hailed into a particular Arizona criminal court. Basically, the answers surround what is known as “Court Jurisdiction.”

If you were arrested for DUI or any other crime in Arizona you will be given notice of your next court appearance or your Arraignment date. Unless you have hired an Arizona criminal defense lawyer or DUI attorney, and have been given other instructions, your appearance in that designated court is required. Many defendants want to know why they are being hailed into a particular Arizona criminal court. Basically, the answers surround what is known as “Court Jurisdiction”.

A majority of Arizona criminal cases are heard in Municipal Courts/City Courts; Justice Courts; and Superior Courts. The fundamental differences in these three courts are the types of cases that are heard in them. A court may have “Limited Jurisdiction” or “General Jurisdiction” over a certain type of criminal charge or DUI cases:

Limited Jurisdiction – Arizona Limited jurisdiction means the courts have limited jurisdiction over a limited variety of case types. Examples of Criminal & DUI Limited Jurisdiction Courts in Arizona include:

1. Municipal or City Court (used interchangeably); and
2. Justice Court - These courts have “limited jurisdiction” over a limited variety of cases.

The City/ Municipal Courts, and Justice courts in Arizona, generally hear Misdemeanor cases. Although some preliminary hearings for felonies can be heard in these two lower courts.

Superior Court – General Jurisdiction courts in Arizona are those that have jurisdiction over a wider variety or a more general variety with regard to the different types of criminal cases or DUI cases that can be heard there. The Arizona Superior Court is a General Jurisdiction Court. It is a state-wide wide trial court. A wide range of different types of criminal cases are heard there. A majority of them are felony cases. Although the Arizona Superior Court is a single entity, it has multiple locations in each county in Arizona. Each county, including Maricopa County has at least one Superior Court Judge.

Types of Criminal & DUI Cases heard in Arizona Municipal or City Courts and Arizona Justice Courts

1. Municipal Courts – Municipal courts (also known as City Courts), in Arizona hear the following types of criminal cases:

• Municipal or City courts have criminal jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes.
• Municipal or City courts hear misdemeanor cases such as DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol); hit-and-run and reckless driving as long as no injuries were involved.
• Municipal or City Courts also hear petty offense crimes which are less severe offenses than Misdemeanor Charges, committed in that Arizona town.
• Municipal or City courts also share jurisdiction with justice courts over certain types of violations relating to Arizona law, if the offense was committed in within that city’s limits.

2. Justice Courts – Arizona Justice Courts hear criminal cases of these types:

• Misdemeanors;
• Some felony preliminary hearings; and
• Misdemeanors criminal offenses punishable by a fine of less than $2,500 or less than six months in county jail.

3. Superior Courts – The Arizona Constitution provides the superior jurisdiction over the following types of criminal cases:

• Superior Courts in Arizona have exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases, accept where jurisdiction is assigned to another court;
• Superior Courts share jurisdiction with Justice Courts over misdemeanors when the potential penalty does not exceed $2,500 or imprisonment for six months;
• If no other court has jurisdiction to handle a particular case, Superior Courts will have jurisdiction over hearing the case.

It is unwise to go to court unrepresented or without consulting a good AZ criminal defense attorney or DUI lawyer. By going without experienced legal defense representation, you are placing your future and freedom into the hands of the prosecution who is interested only in convicting you. James Novak, criminal defense, and DUI lawyer at the Law Office of James Novak will provide you with a free initial consultation if you have active criminal or DUI charges, to discuss your charges and defense options. James Novak is a proven DUI and criminal defense trial lawyer, and former prosecutor. Call (480) 413 -1499 now for your Free Consultation for active criminal or DUI charges.

The Law Office of James Novak Provides DUI & Criminal Defense Representation in the Following Criminal Courts & DUI Courts in Maricopa County:

Municipal & City Court Locations:

Arizona Justice Court Locations

Arizona Superior Court Locations:

Law Office of James Novak
Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Firm
DUI, DWI, Drunk Driving, and Criminal Defense
Call (480) 413-1499