CRIMINAL CASES AT THE HIGHLAND JUSTICE COURT

If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or DUI by either the Maricopa County’s Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Public Safety for an alleged misdemeanor offense in Highland Justice Court’s jurisdictional boundaries, your case will likely be at the Highland Justice Court.

Highland Justice Court is on Civic Center Drive within Gilbert’s Municipal Buildings Complex. The Court building is located next to the Gilbert Police Station. Highland Justice Court is on the left hand side of the first floor of the building that also houses Gilbert Municipal Court.

Highland Justice Court Location
55 E Civil Center Dr. Ste 55
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Contact Highland Justice Court
Phone: 602-372-8300
Fax: 602-372-8301

Highland Justice Court Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM except holidays.

Highland Justice Court Parking.
Parking is free at the Highland Justice Court. There’s a large parking lot out front with plenty of free parking. There’s no covered parking. Handicap parking is available.

Who is the Highland Justice Court Judge?

Judge Steve Urie is the elected Justice of the Peace for Highland Justice Court. While Judge Urie isn’t an attorney, he does have an extensive background in government, law, and business. Judge Urie is a former Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives; he was in the House from 2011 until 2013. He also served as a member of Gilbert Town Council for 8 years and was the Gilbert’s vice mayor from 2002 to 2003. In addition to being a Judge, Judge Urie owns a property management company and a property management school. Judge Urie earned a degree in Law Enforcement from Ohlone Community College, a business degree from Brigham Young University, and a master’s from University of Arizona.

Attorney Timothy Tobin is the former Prosecutor for Highland Justice Court.

Mr. Tobin is the former prosecutor for Highland Justice Court. Now practicing criminal defense at Highland Justice Court often, Tobin Law Office is familiar with Highland Justice Court’s Judge, Prosecuting Agency, and court staff. For those reasons, Tobin Law Office is familiar with the nuanced procedures of Highland Justice Court.

Tobin Law Office Provides Experienced and Effective Criminal Defense at Highland Justice Court.

Located on Stapley Drive off the US 60—our office is only a few miles north of Highland Justice Court. With it so close, and practicing there often, we consider Highland Justice Court our home court. We defend against misdemeanor and DUI offenses there often.

If up against criminal charges at Highland Justice Court, you should retain a criminal defense attorney who’s familiar with, and frequently practice at, Highland Justice Court. It’s an added benefit if that attorney is the former prosecutor of that court because it provides valuable insight to the other side. Lastly, it’s imperative to hire a defense lawyer that’s going to give your case the steadfast dedication and energy it deserves

What to do once you get to Highland Justice Court.

Once parked, you’ll go in through the front entrance. You’ll need to go through court security and pass through metal detectors. Remember not to bring illegal items as you’ll face criminal prosecution for those items. Once past security, check in with the Highland Justice Court’s service counter, which is on the left hand side of the first floor. At the counter, there will be sign in for you to sign. Court staff will then direct you enter the first courtroom on the left hand side of the first floor. Enter the courtroom and wait for your name to be called. When you name is called, step forward to address the Judge.

What to wear and bring to Highland Justice Court?

You should dress appropriate for Court. We recommend, at a minimum, business casual. Don’t wear flip flops, sunglasses, hats, or ripped clothing. Also, don’t wear anything considered provocative or offensive. You want to make a positive impression.

Bring any citation or police paperwork related to your case. If you have proof of fixing what you’ve been charged with (license, insurance, auto repair, etc.), bring that as well.

The Court doesn’t permit gum, candy, food, or drinks. Cell phones should be turned off once you’re inside the courtroom. Children are allowed in the court building. The court doesn’t provide childcare, but there’s an unsupervised play area on the first floor for young children with parents. Children can be in the courtroom; however, court staff may ask them to remain outside if they cannot be quiet during proceedings.

First Court Date: Arraignment (Initial Appearance) at Highland Justice Court.

At arraignment, the Judge will verify your name and address, read the charges, explain your rights, explain the penalties, and ask how you’d like to plead. This isn’t the time to discuss or argue the case. The judge will not entertain motions, testimony, evidence, or argument.

Tobin Law Office recommends you plead not guilty. You have many defenses, plea bargain options, and programs available to you. You can only take advantage of these options by entering a not guilty plea. Even if you know you’re guilty without a defense, the arraignment is not the time to take responsibility. Once you enter a guilty plea, you waive the right to negotiate penalties, negotiate a dismissal, or participate in a diversion program to keep your record clean. Once you say you’re guilty, you cannot change your mind. For those reasons, enter a not guilty plea and consult a defense lawyer who practices in the Highland Justice Court.

Lastly, the Judge will order release conditions. The specific release conditions depend on the charges, facts of your case, personal circumstances, and any relevant information available to the Court.

Tobin Law Office Takes Away The Stress and Complexities of the Initial Appearance at Highland Justice Court.

Tobin Law Office can file paperwork to avoid having to show up for the initial appearance. From there, we can attend most hearings in your place so that you don’t have to take time away from family or work.

Pretrial Conferences.

The majority of court dates that take place before trial are called pretrial conference. During these conferences, you, or your attorney, will meet with the county prosecutor to go over the case, your options, and evidence.  

Highland Justice Court usually holds several pretrial conferences. Keep in mind that evidence and testimony are not taken at the conferences. You’ll only meet with the prosecutor to try to resolve the case by dismissal or plea agreement.

You need to show up on time to pretrial conferences. You’ll need to sign the sign in sheet at the service counter and wait in the courtroom for the prosecutor to call you into their office. It’s a good idea to show up early because there can be a long wait to see the prosecutor. Defense attorneys are usually heard first because they have several courthouses to be at.

When the prosecutor calls your names, you’ll be brought into their office to negotiate your case. It’s usually not a good idea to negotiate without an attorney. Mr. Tobin will tell from experience that the prosecutor is not there to help you. Instead, their job is to convict you, punish you, and move the calendar. The prosecutor and court will see you as a number in a long list of Defendants. They have very little interest in your personal situation or future.

Trial.

If you cannot come to an agreement with the prosecutor, it will be scheduled for a trial where evidence will presented against you to prove your guilt. An experienced county prosecutor will be trying the case against you.

Look up the status of your Highland Justice Court Case at these helpful links:

Search Your Highland Justice Court Case:  Justice Court Case Search
View the Highland Justice Court Calendar: Highland Justice Court Calendar

Highland Justice Court Penalties

Highland Justice Court handles misdemeanors. An Arizona misdemeanor is a criminal charge that carries up to 180 days in jail. Misdemeanors will also often involve penalites, fines, fees, probation, programs, treatment, and more. A misdemeanor conviction also leaves you with a criminal record.

Maximum jail for misdemeanors are 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

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Maximum fines for misdemeanors is listed 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. Monetary assessments, loss of your license, probation, community service, restitution, classes, programs, treatment, loss of rights, and more.

DUI Penalties. See our summary of Arizona’s Misdemeanor DUI penalties.

Consult and Hire an Experienced Highland Justice Court Defense Attorney.

When facing a misdemeanor or DUI at Highland Justice Court, you need an experienced Mesa criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and future. Preferably, that attorney should regularly practice at Highland Justice Court. An experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is in the best position to dismiss or reduce charges, limit penalties, and protect your future.

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

• DUI
• Criminal Traffic
• Drug Paraphernalia
• Contempt of Court
• Underage Drinking: Minor in Possession or Minor in Consumption
• Property Offenses: Trespassing, Theft, Shoplifting, Property Damage
• Disorderly Conduct
• Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Expungement (Set Aside of Convictions)
• Probation Violations
• Municipal Code Violations
• Commercial Vehicle Violations

Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Justice Court Criminal Cases.

Q: What if I have a warrant from Highland Justice Court?
A: A warrant is a serious matter because it can result in jail, additional criminal charges, a suspension of your driver’s license, and needing to post bond. Tobin Law Office is usually able to quash a misdemeanor warrant, which avoids bond, loss of your driver’s license, and jail.

Q: What if I cannot be at Highland Just Court for my scheduled court date?
A: You either need to show up yourself, or hire an attorney to go for you. If you fail to appear for court, the judge will issue an arrest warrant, set bond, and your license may be suspended. If you need a continuance, you need to file a written motion in advance of your court date.

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