Arizona Criminal Courts

Arizona's criminal court system is designed to handle a wide range of criminal cases, from minor infractions to serious felonies. This article provides an overview of the various courts that deal with criminal matters, the types of cases they handle, how to conduct a criminal court case search, and the steps to expunge a criminal conviction in Arizona.

Arizona Criminal Court Structure

Arizona's court system is structured into several levels to address criminal cases based on their severity:

1. Municipal Courts (City Courts): Handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, and city ordinance infractions occurring within city limits. These courts typically deal with less severe criminal cases such as shoplifting or public intoxication.

    

2. Justice Courts: Cover misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felony cases, and civil traffic violations. Justice Courts often handle cases in rural areas or unincorporated parts of the state.

    

3. Superior Courts: Serve as the trial courts for more serious criminal matters, including felonies and appeals from Municipal and Justice Courts. Each county in Arizona has at least one Superior Court.

    

4. Arizona Court of Appeals: Reviews cases appealed from the Superior Court, focusing on legal errors rather than re-evaluating evidence.

    

5. Arizona Supreme Court: The state’s highest court, which hears appeals from the Court of Appeals and cases of statewide importance.

Types of Criminal Cases

Criminal cases in Arizona are categorized into three primary types:

1. Infractions: Minor offenses such as parking violations or jaywalking. Infractions typically result in fines and do not carry jail time.

    

2. Misdemeanors: Crimes punishable by up to six months in jail and/or fines. Examples include DUI (first offense), petty theft, and simple assault.

    

3. Felonies: Serious crimes that can result in prison sentences longer than one year. Felony offenses include aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and murder. Felonies are further classified into six categories, ranging from Class 1 (most severe) to Class 6 (least severe).

Conducting an Arizona Criminal Court Case Search

Individuals seeking information on criminal cases in Arizona can access public court records through the following methods:

1. Arizona Judicial Branch’s Public Access to Court Information Website: This online portal allows users to search for case details using a name, case number, or citation number.

    

2. County Clerk of the Superior Court: Contact the Clerk’s Office in the county where the case was filed to request records in person or by mail.

    

3. Municipal and Justice Courts: Visit the specific court’s website or office for records related to misdemeanors or infractions.

It is important to note that some records, such as juvenile cases or sealed documents, may not be publicly accessible.

Expunging a Criminal Conviction in Arizona

Expungement (or "setting aside" a conviction, as it is known in Arizona) is a legal process that removes certain criminal convictions from a person’s record, offering a fresh start. The steps include:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Review your case to determine if it qualifies for expungement. Most misdemeanors and some felonies are eligible, provided you’ve completed all sentencing requirements.

    

2. Filing a Petition: Submit a "Motion to Set Aside" to the court that handled your case. This involves completing the appropriate forms and providing evidence of rehabilitation, such as employment or community involvement.

    

3. Court Review: The court will review the motion and may hold a hearing to evaluate your request. Prosecutors and victims may also provide input during this process.

    

4. Decision: If approved, the court will issue an order to set aside the conviction. While the record remains visible, it will show that the conviction was vacated, which can improve opportunities for housing, employment, and other areas of life.

Conclusion

Arizona's criminal courts play a vital role in ensuring justice while providing avenues for rehabilitation and redress. By understanding the court structure, case types, and processes, individuals can navigate the legal system more effectively. Whether conducting a case search or pursuing an expungement, resources are available to help citizens address their legal concerns and move forward with their lives.