CRIMINAL CASES AT THE APACHE JUNCTION MUNICIPAL COURT (APACHE JUNCTION CITY COURT)

When charged with a misdemeanor or DUI by the Apache Junction Police Department, your case will likely be in the Apache Junction Municipal Court (Apache Junction City Court). The Apache Junction City Court is located in Apache Junction’s City Hall Complex on Superstition Blvd between Idaho Rd and Route 88. The courtroom is located inside building G, the first building on the left from the main entrance. 

Apache Junction Municipal Court Location

300 E Superstition Boulevard
Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Contact Apache Junction City Court
Phone: 480-982-8250
Fax: 480-982-4496

Apache Junction Municipal Court Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Apache Junction City Court Parking.

There’s ample free parking at the Apache Junction City Hall Complex. There’s handicap parking, but unfortunately, there’s no covered parking stalls for the general public.

Apache Junction Court Calendar.

You can check the upcoming court calendar here: Apache Junction Municipal Court Calendar.

Who is the Apache Junction Municipal Court Judge?

Judge James W. Hazel, Jr. is the sitting Judge at the Apache Junction City Court. Judge Hazel has an extensive criminal law background. He’s the former Gila County Prosecutor and is certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a criminal law specialist. Judge Hazel began his legal career in government with the cities of Scottsdale and Phoenix. Judge Hazel then entered private practice for ten years before becoming the Gila County Prosecutor in 2001. Judge Hazel also previously practiced as a substitute judge in the Phoenix Municipal Court.

Tobin Law Office Offers Dedicated and Experienced Criminal Defense at the Apache Junction Municipal Court.

Located off the US 60 in Mesa, Tobin Law Office is a short drive to the Apache Junction Municipal Court. With the office so close, we regularly represent clients at the Apache Junction City Court.

When facing criminal charges at the Apache Junction City Court, it’s important to hire a criminal defense attorney who regularly takes Apache Junction cases. It’s an added benefit when that defense lawyer has a prosecutorial background; prosecution experienced brings insight to how the other side approaches a case. It’s also important to retain a defense attorney who’s able and willing to devote the necessary time and energy your case deserves.

Criminal Defense Attorney Timothy Tobin, offers experienced and dedicated defense having practiced criminal law for several years as a criminal defense lawyer and prosecutor. Attorney Tobin provides his clients with quality criminal defense in Apache Junction cases. Defending clients in Apache Junction cases regularly, Mr. Tobin is familiar with the law enforcement departments, judges, and prosecutors serving Apache Junction.
What to wear and bring to the Apache Junction Municipal Court.

It’s important to dress respectful when going to Court. Avoid sunglasses, hats, sandals, and ripped clothing. Also avoid anything that’s provocative or offensive. You should, at a minimum, wear business casual clothing. Your appearance should make a positive impression on the prosecutor and judge.

The court doesn’t allow food, drinks, candy, or gum. Cell phones need to be turned off when inside the courtroom. While children are allowed inside the building, court staff might ask children to remain outside if they cannot be quiet during court proceedings.

What to do when you arrive to the Apache Junction City Court.

After arriving and parking at the Apache Junction City Hall Complex, go to the Municipal Court in Building G. Once inside, check in for your case at the large glass windows. Next, you’ll need to go through the Apache Junction police security and metal detector. Don’t bring illegal items or you’ll be arrested by police. Once past security, walk down the hallway and enter the courtroom on the left. Take a seat in court and wait for your name to be called. When the court clerk asks if you’re present, you should raise your hand and announce that you’re present. Remember to be quiet and respectful when waiting for you case to be called. When your name is called, stand at the lectern in the middle of the courtroom; don’t walk up to the Judge unless instructed to do so. Listen to the Judge’s instructions and politely answer questions.

First Court Date: Initial Appearance (Arraignment) at Apache Junction Municipal Court.

Look at your police documents to find the time and date of your first court appearance. Unless you hire a defense attorney to go for you, you need to be at your initial appearance. If you fail to appear, or even if you’re late, you’ll be charged with more criminal charges, a bench warrant will issue, and your driver’s license may be suspended.

You’ll be arraigned at the first court appearance. The judge will explain the charges and penalties, explain your legal rights, and ask if you would like to plead guilty or not guilty. This isn’t the time to tell the judge the underlying facts of the case, nor is it the time to argue your position. The judge won’t entertain motions, testimony, or evidence at your first court appearance.

Unless you’ve received sound advice from an experienced defense counsel, it’s important to plead not guilty at arraignment. This preserves any defenses, plea deals, and court programs that are available. Even if you’re guilty without a defense, arraignment is not the time to take responsibly. Once you enter a guilty plea, you waive opportunities to plea bargain, dismiss charges, and participate in programs that keep your record clean. For these reasons, and more, it’s best to enter a not guilty plea and consult a criminal defense lawyer with experience in the Apache Junction City Court.

The Judge will lastly address your release conditions. Release conditions are determined by the facts, charges, victim input, and your background.

Tobin Law Office Can Help with the First Court Appearance (Arraignment).

Tobin Law Office can file court pleadings to avoid having to appear in court. Tobin Law Office can also appear at most future hearings in your place, so you won’t have to take time from your family or work.

Pretrial Conferences.

The court hearings before any dismissal, plea agreement, or trial are pretrial conferences. At pretrial conferences, you or your attorney will discuss your case with the prosecutor.

Apache Junction Municipal Court usually schedules several pretrial conferences before a criminal matter is complete. Pretrial conferences are not formal court hearings. No evidence or testimony is taken by the judge. You’ll instead meet with the prosecutor in private to negotiate and resolve the case by plea bargain, reduction, dismissal, diversion, or trial.

You’ll need to wait inside the courtroom for your turn to speak with the prosecutor. It’s a good idea to show up early because it’s usually a long wait. Defendants often get frustrated because they notice that defense attorneys are heard first; this is because attorneys have several cases at several courthouses.

When the prosecutor calls you, you’ll enter a room to discuss your case. Never forget, the prosecutor isn’t there to help you or give you advice. The city prosecutor’s job is to convict you, get you to agree to punishment terms, and move the court calendar. The prosecutor views you as a number in a long line of cases that day. The prosecutor will have little concern or sympathy for your future or personal circumstances.

Trial.

If you cannot resolve the case with the prosecutor, the charges will be set for trial where testimony and evidence are presented to determine your guilt or innocence. At trial you’ll be up against a trained and experienced prosecutor.

Look up Your Apache Junction City Court Case at the following website:

https://apps.supremecourt.az.gov/publicaccess/

Apache Junction Municipal Court Penalties

The Apache Junction City Court only hears misdemeanor charges filed by Apache Junction’s City Prosecutor.

Maximum jail for misdemeanors is listed in the Arizona Revised Statutes: A.R.S. § 13-707.

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: 180 days jail
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: 120 days jail
• Class 3 Misdemeanor: 30 days jail

Maximum fines for misdemeanors are listed in the Arizona Revised Statutes: A.R.S. § 13-802.

• The total fine can exceed $10,000 after surcharges, assessments, and costs.
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: $2,500, plus surcharges, fees, assessments, and costs.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: $750, plus surcharges, fees, assessments, and costs.
• Class 3 Misdemeanor: $500, plus surcharges, fees, assessments, and costs.

Additional Penalties.

Programs, restitution, classes, treatment, assessments, counseling, loss of rights, loss of your license, and more.

DUI Penalties:

Arizona’s Misdemeanor DUI penalties.

Why You Want an Experienced Apache Junction Municipal Court Defense Lawyer on Your Side.

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or DUI charge at the Apache Junction City Court, you’ll want an attorney specifically experienced in the Apache Junction Municipal Court. An experienced Apache Junction defense attorney can guide you through the confusing city court process, while raising applicable defenses and protecting your future. A knowledgeable defense lawyer who frequently practices in Apache Junction is in the best position to defend you.

Tobin Law Office provides criminal defense for all charges in the Apache Junction City Court. Here’s a list of the most common charges we handle in Apache Junction:

• DUI
• Criminal Traffic
• Driver’s License Charges
• Drug Offenses
• Underage Drinking
• Property and Theft Offenses
• Assault and Disorderly Conduct
• Domestic Violence
• Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear
• Municipal Code Offenses
• Commercial Vehicle Violations

Frequent Questions about the Apache Junction City Court.

Q: What if there’s an Apache Junction Municipal warrant for my arrest?
A: You need to take a bench warrant serious as it can result in your arrest, the suspension of your driver’s license, more criminal charges, jail time, and the need to post a bond. Tobin Law Office usually can appear in Court and quash a city court warrant. This avoids having to post cash bond, arrest, and the loss of your license.

Q: What if I cannot be at Court for my scheduled court date?
A: You need to go to your court date. If you don’t show, a warrant will issue, a bond will be set, and MVD might suspend your license. You need to either hire a defense attorney to go in your place, or request a continuance. To request a continuance, without an attorney, you must appear at Court during the Court’s walk-in hours. Walk-ins are held at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Q: How do I pay my Apache Junction Municipal Court fine?
A: Payments can be made in person by cash, credit card, personal check, cashier’s check, and money order. Payments can be made by mail, but only by personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.

Contact Us for a Free and Confidential Consultation with Attorney Tim Tobin.