CRIMINAL CASES AT EAST MESA JUSTICE COURT

When charged with a misdemeanor or DUI offense from the Maricopa County’s Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Public Safety for an incident that took place in East Mesa Justice Court’s Jurisdictional Boundaries, your case will likely be heard at the East Mesa Justice Court.

East Mesa Justice Court is on Julep Street in Mesa, Arizona near the major crossroads of Higley and McKellips. The courtroom is inside the corner suite of an industrial warehouse building.

East Mesa Justice Court Location

4811 Julep St, Suite 128
Mesa, AZ 85205

Contact East Mesa Justice Court

Phone: 480-985-0188
Fax: 480-396-6327

East Mesa Justice Court Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM except holidays.

East Mesa Justice Court Parking.

There’s plenty of free parking at the East Mesa Justice Court. The parking lot is directly in front of the entrance. There’s no covered parking.

Who is the East Mesa Justice Court Judge?

Judge Keith Russell is the elected Justice of the Peace for East Mesa Justice Court; he’s held the elected post since June of 2013. Judge Russell isn’t a licensed attorney; however, he has an extensive background in business, real estate, and politics. Judge Keith Russell worked in real estate sales and appraisals for decades. In 2004, he was elected as the county accessor working on property tax litigation and legislative issues. Judge Russell also served on the Arizona Association of Counties Board of Directors, as well as the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council.

Tobin Law Office Offers Experienced Criminal Defense in the East Mesa Justice Court.

Located off the US 60 on Stapley Drive in Mesa, Tobin Law Office is only a short distance from the East Mesa Justice Court. Being so close, we consider it one of our home courts.

Practicing in the East Mesa Justice Court often, Tobin Law Office is familiar with its judge and prosecuting agency. Criminal Defense Attorney Timothy Tobin is a former prosecutor for the agency responsible for prosecuting East Mesa Justice Court Cases. For these reasons, he’s experienced in the details and intricacies of defending cases there.

When charged with a criminal offense at the East Mesa Justice Court, it’s crucial to find a defense attorney who regularly defends cases in East Mesa. It’s an added benefit if that criminal lawyer previously worked for the prosecutor’s office for East Mesa Justice Court; that provides valuable insight on how the other side handles and approaches cases. Most importantly, you’ll want a defense firm that will devote the necessary time and effort to your East Mesa Justice Court case.

What to do when you get to East Mesa Justice Court.

After parking, enter the front entrance. Right away, you’ll go through security and a metal detector. Don’t bring illegal items because you’ll be arrested and prosecuted. Once past security, check in at the front service counter directly in front of you. The clerk will direct you on where to wait.

What to wear and bring to East Mesa Justice Court?

It’s important to dress nice for court. At a minimum, wear business casual. Avoid sandals, hats, sunglasses, and ripped clothing. You also want to avoid provocative or offensive clothing. Dress to impress—make a positive impression on the Judge and Prosecutor.

We recommend bringing any citation or police paperwork related to your case. In addition, if you have proof of fixing a civil violation, bring it. The Judge may have the discretion to dismiss cured civil offenses: license, registration, insurance, auto repair, etc.

The Court doesn’t permit food or liquids. Cell phones are not allowed to be used inside the court. Bringing children should be avoided. The court may ask children to remain outside the courtroom if they cannot remain quiet.

First Court Date: Arraignment

During arraignment, the Judge will verify your personal information, read the charges and penalties, and ask if you plead guilty or not guilty. This isn’t the time to talk about the facts of your case, nor can the judge entertain motions, evidence, or arguments. The Judge will lastly order your release conditions. Your specific release conditions are highly dependent on the charges, facts, personal circumstances, and information available to the Court.

Tobin Law Office recommends that you enter a not guilty plea. In a criminal case, you have defenses, plea bargain options, and programs that can result in reduced charges, reduced penalties, and even a complete dismissal. You forfeit these options by pleading guilty right away. Even if you know you’re guilty and don’t think there’s a defense, the arraignment is not the time to apologize or take responsibility. In doing so, you would waive programs and plea bargain options for dismissals and reductions. The best course of action is to enter a not guilty plea and consult a Mesa criminal attorney who practices in the East Mesa Justice Court.

Tobin Law Office Eases the Stress and Complexities of the First Court Date.

We will file paperwork to avoid having to show up for arraignment. From there, we can attend several hearings in your place so you won’t have to take time from work or family.

Pretrial Conferences.

The majority of court dates at East Mesa Justice Court are called pretrial conferences. With these conferences, either you, or your defense attorney, will meet with the prosecutor to discuss and negotiate your case. No evidence or testimony is heard at these conferences; they serve to facilitate conversations with the prosecutor.

You must be on time for your pretrial conferences. For each pretrial, you need to check in at the front service counter and sign in. They’ll direct you to wait in a waiting room. It’s advisable to be early for your conference because there will be a long line to see the prosecutor. It’s kind of like waiting in a doctor’s office; it can be time consuming. For professional courtesy, defense attorneys are usually heard first because their client’s presence is waived and they will have several court appearances in a given day.

When it’s your turn, the prosecutor will bring you into the office to negotiate the case and disclose evidence. It’s never advisable to do this without the help of a criminal defense lawyer. Mr. Tobin can tell you—as a former prosecutor—they are not there to help you. They only see you as a number and someone to get off their calendar. Neither the judge, nor the prosecutor has much concern for your personal situation or future. Their objective is to keep the docket moving and process criminal convictions.

Trial.

If you cannot come to an agreeable compromise with the prosecutor, your case will be scheduled for a trial where evidence and testimony is presented against you in attempts to prove your guilt. A trained prosecutor will be trying the case.

Where to Look up Your East Mesa Justice Court Case: Justice Court Case Search

East Mesa Justice Court Penalties

East Mesa Justice Court handles misdemeanors. In Arizona, a misdemeanor offense carries up to 180 days in jail. Misdemeanors often involve penalties, fines, fees, probation, programs, treatment, and more. A misdemeanor conviction can leave you with a permanent criminal record.

Maximum jail for misdemeanors per 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 per Arizona Revised Statutes: A.R.S. § 13-802.

• The Court payments 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

Other Penalties. Probation, monetary assessments, license suspension or revocation, community service, restitution, loss or rights, classes, treatment, and programs.

DUI Penalties. See Tobin Law Office’s Summary on Arizona’s Misdemeanor DUI penalties.

Why retain an East Mesa Justice Court Criminal Defense Attorney?

When facing a misdemeanor or DUI in the East Mesa Justice Court, you need an attorney to protect your rights and future. Preferably, your defense attorney should regularly practice at East Mesa Justice Court. A dedicated and experienced criminal defense will give you the best chance at a desirable outcome.

Most common types of misdemeanor cases we handle at Highland Justice Court.

• DUI Charges
• Criminal Traffic
• Criminal Speeding
• Alcohol Related Offenses
• Domestic Violence
• Assault
• Disorderly Conduct
• Drug Paraphernalia
• Contempt of Court
• Property Offenses: Trespassing, Theft, Shoplifting, Property Damage
• Expungement (Set Aside of Convictions)
• Probation Violations
• Municipal Code Violations
• Commercial Vehicle Violations

Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Justice Court Criminal Cases.

What if I have a warrant in the East Mesa Justice Court?
Any warrant should be taken serious because it can result in additional jail, more charges, a license suspension, and needing to post bond. We have a high success rate in quashing misdemeanor warrants while avoiding charges, bond, and license suspensions.

What if I cannot be at East Mesa Justice Court for my scheduled court date?
You’ll need to go to the court, in person, in advance of your court date, to file a motion to continue for the Judge’s consideration. In the alternative, you can hire an attorney to appear for you. If you fail to appear for court, the judge will issue an arrest warrant, set bond, and possibly suspend your license.

Contact Tobin Law Office for a Free and Confidential Consultation with Criminal Defense Attorney Tim Tobin.