Justice Courts • Maricopa County
Maricopa County Justice Courts: Bail and Bonds Guide
Maricopa County Justice Courts is the 26 justice court precincts that handle misdemeanors, criminal traffic and preliminary matters for arrests by the Sheriff's Office, DPS and smaller cities and towns without their own municipal court. Here is how bail is set, where it is posted and what to expect.
Maricopa County, AZ
What Justice Courts Handles
The 26 justice court precincts that handle misdemeanors, criminal traffic and preliminary matters for arrests by the Sheriff's Office, DPS and smaller cities and towns without their own municipal court.
How Bail Works for Justice Courts Cases
Justice court misdemeanor arrestees booked into county custody see a judicial officer at initial appearance, and any bond is posted at the 4th Avenue Jail. Justice courts also issue bench warrants for missed dates; those can be cleared with a walk-through bond at the jail.
Tips
- Your release paperwork names the precinct (for example, Arrowhead, Dreamy Draw, San Tan, West McDowell). Keep it.
- Unincorporated areas like Sun City, Anthem and Litchfield Park are policed by the Sheriff's Office and charged in justice court.
- DPS freeway DUI arrests are usually filed in the justice court for that stretch of highway.
Need a bond on a Justice Courts case?
Call any hour. We confirm the bail amount, take your signature electronically and post the bond.
Justice Courts Questions
Do I post bail at Justice Courts?
No. Bail for anyone in Maricopa County custody is posted at the 4th Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room, 201 S 4th Avenue, Phoenix. City misdemeanor arrestees may be bonded at the city holding facility. The court receives the bond with the case file.
What happens if I miss a court date at Justice Courts?
The court issues a bench warrant and begins forfeiture of any bond. Call your attorney and call us immediately. A walk-through bond or a motion to quash the warrant can often resolve it before an arrest.
Can bail be lowered after it is set?
Yes. A defense attorney can file a motion to modify release conditions, and the judge can change the amount or conditions. If bail is reduced before we post, your premium is based on the lower amount.
What happens at an initial appearance in Maricopa County?
Within 24 hours of arrest, the defendant appears before a judicial officer, who informs them of the charges, confirms identity and address, considers the state's and defense's input, and sets release conditions: own recognizance, pretrial services, an unsecured bond, a secured appearance bond that can be posted in cash or by a bail agent, or a cash-only bond. Later court dates are also set.