What type of cases do justice courts handle? All justice courts hear all types of misdemeanor cases. The cases are prosecuted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The criminal investigations are generally handled by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Salt River Police Department.
The types of criminal cases heard by Maricopa County Justice Courts include:
- DUI (including Extreme DUI, Super Extreme DUI, and Drug DUI)
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal trespass
- Shoplifting
- Domestic violence
- Driving on a suspended license
- Criminal speeding
The Justice Courts also hear civil traffic cases such as: photo radar tickets, parking violations, civil speeding tickets, and HOV violations.
If you have an upcoming criminal case in a Justice Court and are looking for an attorney for criminal defense representation, call us today to schedule a free consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day at 602-667-7777 or use our online chat form.
Legal Representation in Maricopa County Justice Courts
The criminal defense lawyers at the Lerner and Rowe Law Group have experience representing clients in every Justice Court here in Maricopa County. Below is a full list of all the justice courts.
- Agua Fria Justice Court
- Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court
- Arrowhead Justice Court
- Country Meadows Justice Court
- Desert Ridge Justice Court
- Downtown Phoenix Justice Court
- Dreamy Draw Justice Court
- East Mesa Justice Court
- Encanto Justice Court
- Hassayampa Justice Court
- Highland Justice Court
- Ironwood Justice Court
- Kyrene Justice Court
- Manistee Justice Court
- Maryvale Justice Court
- McDowell Mountain Justice Court
- Moon Valley Justice Court
- North Mesa Justice Court
- San Marcos Justice Court
- San Tan Justice Court
- South Mountain Justice Court
- University Lakes Justice Court
- West McDowell Justice Court
- West Mesa Justice Court
- White Tanks Justice Court
What can I expect if I am being charged with a misdemeanor in a Maricopa County Justice Court?
The criminal attorneys with the Lerner and Rowe Law Group understand that being charged with a crime is scary and that most of our clients have no experience with the criminal justice system. Our criminal defense lawyers will take the time to explain the nature of the charges, the possible penalties, what to expect at each court date, and provide work with you to prepare a defense to the charges.
In Arizona, there are three classifications of misdemeanor offenses, including:
- Class 1 misdemeanor. A class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor offense and is punishable by up to 6 months in jail, three years of probation (five years maximum probation for DUI offenses) and a $2,500 fine plus surcharges. Some of the most common class 1 misdemeanor offenses include:
- DUI
- Driving on a suspended license
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal damage
- Shoplifting
- Class 2 misdemeanors. A class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of up to 4 months in jail, a $750 fine plus surcharges and two years of probation. Examples of some of the most common class 2 misdemeanor offenses are:
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Criminal trespassing in the second degree
- Criminal damage
- Class 3 misdemeanors. A class 3 misdemeanor carries a maximum of 30 days in jail, one year of probation and a $500 fine plus surcharges. Common examples of class 3 misdemeanor offenses in Arizona are:
- Criminal speeding
- Assault
- Touching with intent to injure, insult or provoke
- Criminal trespass in the third degree
Contact a Phoenix Criminal Lawyer Today
A misdemeanor conviction can have serious consequences. If you are charged with a misdemeanor crime in Arizona, you should seek representation from an experienced criminal attorney. The Lerner and Rowe Law Group has a team of Phoenix DUI attorneys and criminal lawyers who can help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today at 602-667-7777.