Phoenix Municipal Court • Maricopa County
Phoenix Municipal Court: Bail and Bonds Guide
Phoenix Municipal Court is the court for misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases charged by the City of Phoenix, including misdemeanor DUI, assault, shoplifting, disorderly conduct and domestic violence misdemeanors. Here is how bail is set, where it is posted and what to expect.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
What Phoenix Municipal Court Handles
The court for misdemeanor and criminal traffic cases charged by the City of Phoenix, including misdemeanor DUI, assault, shoplifting, disorderly conduct and domestic violence misdemeanors.
How Bail Works for Phoenix Municipal Court Cases
Phoenix misdemeanor arrestees are booked at the 4th Avenue Jail and see a judge at initial appearance. If bail is set, the bond is posted at the jail and the case proceeds in Phoenix Municipal Court, which is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and sits a short walk from the jail.
Tips
- Phoenix Municipal Court never requests payment by text or email. Neither do we.
- Failure to appear on a Phoenix city case creates a warrant that can be cleared with a walk-through bond.
- Many first-time misdemeanors are released without bond. We will tell you if that is likely.
Need a bond on a Phoenix Municipal Court case?
Call any hour. We confirm the bail amount, take your signature electronically and post the bond.
Phoenix Municipal Court Questions
Do I post bail at Phoenix Municipal 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 Phoenix Municipal 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.