Superior Court • Maricopa County
Maricopa County Superior Court: Bail and Bonds Guide
Maricopa County Superior Court is the trial court for every felony case in Maricopa County, from drug possession to homicide, plus felony DUI, aggravated assault and all probation violations on felony cases. Here is how bail is set, where it is posted and what to expect.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
What Superior Court Handles
The trial court for every felony case in Maricopa County, from drug possession to homicide, plus felony DUI, aggravated assault and all probation violations on felony cases.
How Bail Works for Superior Court Cases
Felony bail is first set at the initial appearance, then can be revisited by the assigned judge at arraignment or on a motion to modify release conditions. Felony bonds are posted at the 4th Avenue Jail Bond and Fine Room. The Criminal Department information desk is (602) 506-8575.
Tips
- Felony arraignment usually follows within about ten days of the initial appearance if the person is out of custody.
- A bond posted at the jail follows the case into Superior Court; you do not post again at arraignment.
- Missing a Superior Court date results in a bench warrant and can forfeit the bond. Call us before the date if there is any problem getting there.
Need a bond on a Superior Court case?
Call any hour. We confirm the bail amount, take your signature electronically and post the bond.
Superior Court Questions
Do I post bail at Superior Court?
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 Superior Court?
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.