Justice Court

How Maricopa County Justice Courts fit into the bigger court system

Limited-jurisdiction courts in everyday life

Every county in Arizona has justice courts. In Maricopa County, there are 26 Justice Court precincts, each covering a geographic area and serving the people and businesses within that zone.

These are “limited jurisdiction” courts, which means they handle only certain types of cases and dollar amounts. They do not handle felonies or larger civil claims. Instead, the Maricopa County Justice Courts focus on:

Misdemeanor crimes
Civil traffic and criminal traffic offenses
Small claims disputes up to a set dollar limit
Civil lawsuits up to a defined amount
Evictions
Protective orders
Certain marijuana expungement matters
Some appeals and special programs such as Veterans Treatment Court

If a case falls outside these limits (for example, a large civil lawsuit or a felony), it typically belongs in the Superior Court instead of Justice Court.

Who runs your local Justice Court

Each Justice Court precinct has two elected officials:

Justice of the Peace (JP) – This is the judge who presides over cases in that precinct.

Constable – A law-enforcement-type officer who serves court paperwork and carries out tasks outside the courthouse, such as serving eviction notices. Constables are not court employees; they are a separate county department with their own administration.

Appeals from Justice Court go to Maricopa County Superior Court, which reviews whether the Justice Court applied the law correctly.

Where to start online

The Justice Courts provide extensive information and online tools on the official
Maricopa County Justice Courts home page.
From there, you can reach case lookup, case types, forms, locations, and many “I want to…” services.

Know which cases Maricopa County Justice Court handles

Understanding whether your situation belongs in Justice Court is the first step. In general, Justice Courts handle lower-level criminal and civil matters that affect day-to-day life.

Traffic tickets and misdemeanor charges

The Justice Courts handle many traffic and misdemeanor cases, such as:

Civil traffic violations (speeding, failure to stop, etc.)

Criminal traffic (such as DUI-related misdemeanors when applicable by law)

Other misdemeanors like shoplifting, some types of assault, and certain minor theft offenses

For a more detailed breakdown of these categories and your options, the courts provide a dedicated
traffic and misdemeanor case types page.

In many civil traffic cases, you may be able to handle the matter by mail, online, or through a defensive driving option instead of making a full in-person appearance.

Civil suits and small claims

Justice Courts process:

General civil suits where the amount in dispute is within the Justice Court dollar limit

Small claims cases, which are designed to be simpler and faster, with lower claim limits and more streamlined procedures

Small claims cases are often used for:

Disputes over services or goods
Unpaid small loans
Security deposit disagreements
Other lower-dollar conflicts between individuals or businesses

The court offers details on eligibility, limits, and procedures on the
Justice Court small claims page.

Evictions and landlord–tenant disputes

Justice Courts handle many eviction actions, as long as the amount at issue is within the court’s dollar limits and the property falls in the precinct. These cases move quickly, so it is important for both landlords and tenants to read their paperwork closely and respond on time.

Evictions must be filed in the precinct where the tenant lives.

Notices, timelines, and the type of eviction (for example, non-payment vs. other lease violations) all matter for how the case proceeds.

Protective orders for safety

The Justice Courts also process certain protective orders, such as:

Orders of protection
Injunctions against harassment

An important distinction:

Protective orders can be filed in any court in Arizona, regardless of where the parties live.

Other case types are tied to the location of the incident, the defendant, or the rental property.

Marijuana expungements and clearing past marijuana cases

Under Arizona law, some past marijuana-related cases can now be expunged, meaning the judgment is vacated and the record is sealed so it is treated as if the arrest or conviction never happened, with specific legal exceptions.

The Maricopa County Justice Courts provide guidance and forms specifically for marijuana expungements, and those filings usually go back to the court that handled the original case.

Appeals and Veterans Treatment Court

Some cases from Justice Court may be appealed to Superior Court. In addition, Maricopa County operates a Veterans Treatment Court, designed to connect eligible veterans to treatment and services while resolving their Justice Court cases. The program focuses on accountability, rehabilitation, and support.

Find the right Maricopa County Justice Court for your address

Understanding precincts and “venue”

“Venue” is a legal term for which court should hear your case. For Maricopa County AZ Justice Court matters, venue usually depends on:

Where the violation occurred (for traffic)

Where the tenant lives (for evictions)

Where the transaction or dispute took place or where the defendant is located (for civil and small claims)

Where the original case was heard (for marijuana expungements)

Maricopa County is divided into 26 Justice Court precincts, each with its own location and judge. Choosing the correct precinct is not optional; filing in the wrong court can delay your case or cause it to be dismissed.

Using the county’s tools to locate your court

The official Justice Court site links to a county map that lets you enter an address and see which precinct covers that location, along with other government bodies that serve that address. Once you know your precinct name (for example, Agua Fria, Highland, or South Mountain), you can look up the court’s physical address and phone number.

To see a full list of court addresses and phone numbers, you can
find Justice Court locations and contact information
for every precinct across the county.

Look up your case and court calendar online

Case search basics

If you already have a case, citation, or court date, one of the main tools you will use is the online case search for Justice Courts. This system lets you search by:

Person’s name and date of birth
Business name
Case number

The site emphasizes that online information is not the official court record, and there may be limits on older data based on Arizona’s records retention schedules. If you need the official record, you must contact the court directly.

You can start your search through the
Look up case information online
tool on the Justice Court website.

Viewing court calendars and livestreams

Beyond case search, the Justice Courts publish court calendars (sometimes called dockets) so you can see which cases are scheduled in which courts. Some judges livestream hearings to allow public observation, though not all proceedings are streamed, and some streams may stop to preserve privacy in sensitive matters.

From the calendars and related pages, you can:

Confirm your hearing date and time
See whether your judge typically uses livestreaming
Get instructions or links for virtual appearances (in some cases)

Because the calendar is public, it is important to pay attention to your own case number and party names to avoid confusion with similarly named individuals.

File a new case with Maricopa County Justice Court

Confirm your case belongs in Justice Court

Before you file anything, double-check:

Case type – Is it small claims, civil, eviction, traffic, or another category the Justice Court is allowed to hear?

Dollar limit – For civil and small claims cases, the amount you are suing for must fall within Justice Court limits.

Correct precinct – Use the address-based approach discussed above so you file in the right location.

If your case exceeds Justice Court limits or involves a felony, it probably belongs in Superior Court or another court level.

Use forms and instructions

After confirming venue, you will typically:

Download or pick up the appropriate court forms for your case type.
Read any instructions carefully; many forms include step-by-step directions.
Prepare any supporting documents (contracts, photos, notices, letters, receipts, etc.).

The Justice Courts provide many standardized forms for small claims, civil suits, evictions, protective orders, and more.

File your paperwork and pay the filing fee

When you are ready to file:

Bring your completed forms and copies to the correct Justice Court location, or follow any online filing options described on the official site.

Pay the required filing fee to open the case. Fees vary depending on case type and are set by statute and the courts’ fee schedule.

For detailed instructions on starting a case, the
File a new case with the Justice Court
page explains which case types are accepted, how venue works, and what steps to take.

Handle tickets, citations, and payments the right way

Understanding your options after a citation

If you receive a traffic or misdemeanor citation that falls under Maricopa County AZ Justice Court jurisdiction, your paperwork will include:

A court date or appearance deadline
The Justice Court precinct assigned to your case
Information about whether the offense is civil or criminal

Before you simply pay the citation, it is important to review your options:

Some civil traffic citations can be resolved by Defensive Driving School, depending on the type of violation and your record.

Certain “fix-it” issues (expired registration, insurance proof, equipment violations that are now corrected) may allow reduced or eliminated fines once you show proof to the court.

Criminal traffic and some other misdemeanors often require a court appearance or other interaction before payment.

Making payments on Justice Court cases

The Justice Courts provide multiple ways to pay fines and fees, including an online payment system. Key points:

Not every charge is eligible for online payment; if your case does not appear in the payment portal, you must contact the court.

It can take a short time after a new citation for the case to appear in the system.

You may also be able to apply for an interest-free payment plan, though there is a one-time time-payment fee set by state law.

If your case is in collections, you will generally have to work through the collection system rather than the regular Justice Court payment portal.

To review your options and launch the payment portal, visit
Make an online payment through the Justice Courts.

Attend your Maricopa County Justice Court hearing: in person or virtual

What “virtual” or “remote” hearings mean

Maricopa County Justice Courts hold many hearings remotely, either by phone or video. You may see the terms “virtual hearing,” “remote appearance,” or “Court Connect.” Depending on your case type:

Some proceedings are required by rule to be in person (for example, jury trials, most criminal trials, some probation violation hearings).

Many others—such as small claims hearings, some civil matters, and many eviction proceedings—are presumed to be held virtually unless otherwise specified.

Eviction cases, in particular, often give each party the choice to appear by phone or video or in person.

General expectations for any court appearance

Whether you appear in person or remotely:

Treat it as a formal court proceeding. Dress and behave as you would in a physical courtroom.

Plan to be early so you can connect, test your technology, and check in if required.

Have your documents and evidence organized and ready.

Follow all instructions from the judge and court staff; do not interrupt or record proceedings without explicit permission, as unauthorized recording may be prohibited by court rules.

Getting your hearing details

Your notice or summons will tell you:

Date and time of the hearing
Whether the court expects an in-person or virtual appearance
Phone numbers and/or video links for remote hearings (where applicable)

If you have questions, or if you cannot attend at the scheduled time, you should contact the court listed on your paperwork as soon as possible.

For more details about how hearings work and how to prepare, see
Attend a Justice Court hearing remotely or in person.

Get copies of Justice Court records and understand retention rules

What records the Justice Courts keep

Court records are maintained under Arizona Supreme Court rules and records retention schedules. Depending on the type of case, records may be kept anywhere from one year to more than ten years before they can be destroyed. Not every older case will be available indefinitely.

Most existing Justice Court records are public, subject to:

Redaction of sensitive information required by law

Confidential rules for certain case types (for example, some juvenile or protective order matters)

How to request Justice Court records

To obtain records, you generally must:

Identify the specific Justice Court that handled the case (using case number or case lookup tools).

Submit the appropriate request form, which varies based on whether you are a party, media, government agency, researcher, or commercial requester.

Pay any required fees, which are set by Arizona statutes and may include per-page charges, certification fees, and clerk or search fees for certain types of requests.

You can learn more about procedures, forms, and costs on the
request Justice Court records
page.

Watching hearings vs. obtaining recordings

If you simply want to observe a hearing:

You may attend in person at the courthouse, subject to space and privacy rules.
Some proceedings are livestreamed when allowed by court policy and privacy considerations.

If you want a copy of an audio or video recording, you must submit the correct records request and pay applicable fees. Recording or photographing court proceedings on your own requires specific judicial approval under Arizona Supreme Court rules.

Use Justice Court tools to clean up or manage your record

Why your Justice Court case shows up in background checks

When people see an eviction or judgment on a background check or credit report, they often assume the court sent that information directly. In reality, courts do not perform private background checks. Instead, background and credit reporting companies obtain data from court systems and incorporate it into their own databases.

Courts do have some mandatory reporting obligations—for example, to certain state agencies for convictions—but they are not responsible for how private companies aggregate or display those records.

Sealing, setting aside, and expunging Justice Court records

Arizona law now offers several ways to reduce the impact of certain past cases:

Expungement – For qualifying marijuana-related cases, the judgment can be vacated and the record sealed so it is treated as if the arrest or conviction never occurred, subject to specific statutory exceptions.

Sealing – For some criminal records, a person who meets the requirements can petition to have a case sealed, limiting public access even if there was a conviction.

Setting aside – For some criminal judgments, a defendant can ask the court to set aside the conviction after completing all terms of the sentence, potentially restoring certain rights and protections.

The process usually requires:

Filing a petition with the specific court that handled the original case.

Waiting for the judge to review the petition, often with input from prosecutors and partner agencies.

Receiving a written order either granting, denying, or dismissing the petition.

To review options and download forms specifically tailored for Justice Court cases, visit the
Clear my record page.

Access forms and self-help resources for Justice Court

Standard forms for common case types

The Justice Courts publish court forms that are designed for self-represented people as well as attorneys. You will find:

Complaint and answer forms for small claims and civil cases
Eviction forms for landlords and tenants
Petitions related to protective orders and some post-judgment issues
Forms for clearing your record, where applicable

Each form typically includes instructions and information about where and how to file. Using the approved forms helps ensure you provide all required information and avoid delays.

Other self-help resources

Alongside forms, the Justice Courts and the Arizona Judicial Branch maintain:

Guides explaining what happens after judgment

Information about appeals and deadlines

Links to legal and community resources if you need to find an attorney or low-cost legal help

These tools do not replace legal advice, but they can help you understand the process and prepare for court.

Weddings and other life events in Maricopa County Justice Courts

Judges’ authority to perform weddings

Under Arizona law, Judges of the Peace are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. In the Maricopa County Justice Courts, weddings are considered a discretionary function:

Judges will not interrupt regular court proceedings to perform weddings.

Ceremonies are typically held after 5:00 p.m., and couples are encouraged to arrive early enough to pass through security and sign in.

Some judges perform ceremonies in English and Spanish, and certain locations may offer special accommodations, such as free ceremonies for active-duty military members in specific circumstances.

Where and how weddings are held

Multiple Justice Court locations across the county hold weddings in the evenings, usually in a courtroom or similar space. In general:

You must bring a valid marriage license, issued by the Clerk of Superior Court or specific Justice Court locations that provide license services.

You need two witnesses age 18 or older.

There is a ceremony fee set by each judge, usually payable in cash. The license fee is paid separately to the Clerk’s Office.

While courthouses follow strict rules about photography and recording, judges will often relax those restrictions during wedding ceremonies inside the courtroom—provided you ask for permission.

For directions and phone numbers to confirm wedding availability and schedules, refer to the list of Justice Court offices at the end of this article.

Justice Court offices, locations, and administrative contacts

Below is a consolidated list of Maricopa County Justice Court–related offices, including addresses and phone numbers drawn from official court location information.

Agua Fria Justice Court – 10420 W. Van Buren St., Avondale, AZ 85323 – Phone (602) 372-8001

Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court – 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – Phone (602) 372-6300

Arrowhead Justice Court – 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln, Surprise, AZ 85374 – Phone (602) 372-2000

Country Meadows Justice Court – 10420 W. Van Buren St., Avondale, AZ 85323 – Phone (602) 372-8000

Desert Ridge Justice Court – 18380 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032 – Phone (602) 372-7100

Dreamy Draw Justice Court – 18380 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032 – Phone (602) 372-7000

East Mesa Justice Court – 222 E. Javelina Ave., Suite C, Mesa, AZ 85210 – Phone (602) 506-8117

El Centro Justice Court – 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – Phone (602) 372-6300

Encanto Justice Court – 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – Phone (602) 372-6300

Hassayampa Justice Court – 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln, Surprise, AZ 85374 – Phone (602) 372-2000

Highland Justice Court – 222 E. Javelina Ave., Suite A, Mesa, AZ 85210 – Phone (602) 372-8300

Ironwood Justice Court – 209 E. Pima Street, Gila Bend, AZ 85337 – Phone (928) 683-2651

Kyrene Justice Court – 201 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225 – Phone (602) 372-3400

Manistee Justice Court – 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln, Surprise, AZ 85374 – Phone (602) 372-2000

Maryvale Justice Court – 10420 W. Van Buren St., Avondale, AZ 85323 – Phone (602) 372-8002

McDowell Mountain Justice Court – 18380 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032 – Phone (602) 372-7000

Moon Valley Justice Court – 18380 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032 – Phone (602) 372-7000

North Mesa Justice Court – 222 E. Javelina Ave., Suite B, Mesa, AZ 85210 – Phone (602) 372-4900

North Valley Justice Court – 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln, Surprise, AZ 85374 – Phone (602) 372-2000

San Marcos Justice Court – 201 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225 – Phone (602) 372-3400

San Tan Justice Court – 201 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225 – Phone (602) 372-3400

South Mountain Justice Court – 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – Phone (602) 372-6300

University Lakes Justice Court – 201 E. Chicago Street, Chandler, AZ 85225 – Phone (602) 372-3400

West McDowell Justice Court – 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – Phone (602) 372-6300

West Mesa Justice Court – 222 E. Javelina Ave., Suite D, Mesa, AZ 85210 – Phone (602) 506-8100

White Tank Justice Court – 10420 W. Van Buren St., Avondale, AZ 85323 – Phone (602) 372-8003

Inmate Video Appearance Center (not a public courthouse) – 2670 S. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009 – Phone (602) 372-0250

Justice Court Administration / Maricopa County Justice Courts Administrative Office – 222 N Central Ave., #210, Phoenix, AZ 85004 – Phone (602) 506-8530

Maricopa County Justice Court FAQs

How do I know which Maricopa County justice court is the right place to file my case?

Venue is based mostly on where the event happened, not where you live. Traffic tickets are handled in the precinct where the violation occurred, evictions in the precinct where the tenant lives, and most small claims or civil suits where the transaction or dispute took place. To avoid filing in the wrong precinct, plug the relevant address into the official Maricopa County Interactive Elections Map, which lists the justice court serving that location.

How can I look up my justice court case or court date online?

You can check the status of most justice court cases, including case history and basic docket information, through the court’s official online case search. From there you can search by name, business name, or case number. The site also links to calendars for individual courts so you can confirm upcoming hearing dates and see which courts are livestreaming proceedings when available.

What are my options for paying fines or setting up a payment plan?

Before you pay, the court encourages you to review your options, such as defensive driving school or proof-of-correction for certain traffic violations, which may reduce or eliminate a fine. For eligible cases, you can pay online using the official Make a Payment page. Many defendants can apply for an interest-free payment plan; once approved, payments can be made online by case number or driver license number, while cases in collections must follow the separate instructions given there.

Can I attend my Maricopa County justice court hearing by phone or video?

Yes, many hearings are held remotely. Eviction cases are generally presumed to be virtual, and many civil, traffic, and misdemeanor proceedings may also be scheduled by phone or video. Some hearings—like jury trials—are usually in person. Your paperwork will say how you’re expected to appear. Full details, including technology tips and rules about cameras and recording, are in the court’s Attend a Hearing section.

How do I request records or ask about sealing, expunging, or clearing a case?

Most existing justice court records are public unless sealed by law, and they’re maintained under statewide retention rules. To request copies, certified documents, audio, or bulk data, you must follow the procedures on the official Request Records page and submit the correct form to the specific court that handled the case. For cleaning up older matters—such as eviction sealing, marijuana expungement, or sealing criminal records—the site’s “Clear My Record” section (linked from the same navigation menu) explains which case types may qualify and which statutes and timeframes apply.