CRIMINAL CASES AT THE MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
IN MESA, AZ
SOUTHEAST FACILITY: MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT COMPLEX
Arizona criminal lawyers refer to this court as SEF—an acronym for the southeast facility. Many felony charges from Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction are filed in this court. This Superior Court handles the preliminary stages of prosecution. It’s an “early disposition court”—meaning it’s designed to process a high volume of criminal cases, encourage plea negotiations, and explore diversionary opportunities. In theory, early plea negotiations should facilitate beneficial case resolutions for Defendants, while alleviating high caseloads facing prosecutors.
Maricopa County Superior Court Location in Mesa, Arizona
Southeast Regional Court Center
222 E Javelina Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210
Southeast Regional Court Center Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Southeast Regional Court Center Parking.
There’s plenty of free parking on the south side of the building across from the front entrance.
Who are the Criminal Judges at the Superior Court in Mesa?
- Commissioner Terri Clarke presides in Courtroom 201. She has been a judge since 2010. She’s experienced in criminal law as a former prosecutor and juvenile court judge.
- Commissioner Michael Barth presides in courtroom 202. He’s been a judge since 2002 overseeing administrative law matters, probate, and criminal cases. Prior, he practiced at a civil firm, worked as a deputy county attorney, and clerked.
Tobin Law Office Brings Experience and Knowledge to Mesa’s Superior Court.
Tobin Law Office is located off the US 60 on South Stapley Drive—only one mile east of Mesa’s Superior Court. Being so close, we handle cases there often.
Defense Attorney Tim Tobin regularly represents clients at the Superior Court’s Southeast Facility, and as such, he’s familiar with the court staff, judges, and prosecutors. In addition, Attorney Tobin is a former prosecutor assigned to that courthouse. For these reasons, and more, Tobin Law Office provides expertise and knowledge in handling criminal cases in Mesa’s Superior Court.
If you have a criminal case in Mesa’s Superior Court, it’s advisable to speak with a criminal lawyer who regularly practices there. It’s an added benefit if that criminal attorney previously prosecuted in that courthouse, as it offers valuable insight to the other side.
Prepare for Your Court Date at the Southeast Facility Court Complex.
Review your paperwork carefully. It will include important information, including a description of the charges against you and the date you must appear. You must appear at the time listed on your summons or release order, which will be 8:30 a.m. You should plan to be at Court all day; this holds especially true for those represented by a public defender. Public defenders handle dozens of cases every day. And thus, you can expect to wait a long time to see them.
Fingerprint Order.
You’ll likely receive an order to complete fingerprints before your first court date. The fingerprint order will instruct you to report to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Record and Identification Division at 111 South 3rd Ave, 4th floor, Phoenix, Arizona. The fingerprint office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There’s usually a long wait for prints, so we recommend that you set aside an entire morning or afternoon. You should get your prints done as soon as possible. The order should advise you to report for fingerprints at least seven days before court. If you don’t get your prints done in time, the Court may order harsher release conditions or take you into custody.
What to do when you arrive at the Mesa Superior Court.
What to wear and bring to Maricopa County Superior Court in Mesa, Arizona.
Always dress respectfully for court. We recommend that you at least dress in business casual. Don’t wear ripped clothing, sandals, sunglasses, or, hats. You should also avoid anything offensive or provocative. Remember, you want to make a positive impression.
Mesa’s Superior Court doesn’t allow food or drinks. There’s a cafeteria on the first floor with several vending machines. You can bring electronic devices into the building, but they must be turned off before entering the courtroom.
Children are not allowed in the courtroom. You should make child care arrangements in advance of court. If you do bring kids, make sure there’s another adult to watch them.
Hire a Mesa, Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney.
When charged with a felony, you have the absolute right to a lawyer. Nevertheless, you’re responsible for hiring a Mesa defense attorney before your first court date at Mesa’s Superior Court. If you cannot afford an attorney, you’ll need to complete a financial application at the public defender’s office. If the judge determines that you financially qualify, the judge will appoint a public defender and decide how much money you must contribute for that service; the calculation is based on your finances. Keep in mind, when you sign the financial application, you’re swearing to its truth and accuracy. Never provide inaccurate information to get a free lawyer. If you submit misleading information, you could be charged with perjury, a class 4 felony. The last thing you want is another felony charge. The court will review your financial circumstances to determine if you qualify for a public defender and how much money you must contribute. The Court will determine, at the end of your case, if an additional financial contribution is warranted.
Types of Court Hearings at Mesa’s Superior Court.
Initial Appearance: If this is the first time seeing a Judge, it’s your initial appearance. As such, the judge will advise you of the charges, verify your personal information, and order release conditions. In most cases, you’ll be released on your own recognizance or monitored by pretrial services. Pretrial services might include drug testing and electronic monitoring. Your release conditions are highly dependent on the charges, your personal history, and any victim input.
Status Conference: After your initial appearance, there are between 1 and 3 status conferences. Status conferences serve to update the Judge on plea negotiations. At each status conference, your criminal attorney will meet with the assigned prosecutor to discuss the facts, negotiate, and share evidence. Your attorney will provide you with advice, rights, and options.
Preliminary Hearing: You might notice that there’s both a status conference and preliminary hearing scheduled on your case. As a practical matter, preliminary hearings are rarely held. The defense attorney will usually ask to vacate the preliminary hearing to allow time for investigation and negotiation. Sometimes, in simple drug possession cases, where an agreement isn’t reached, the Court will hold a preliminary hearing; this involves an officer explaining—through testimony—why there’s probable cause. In most cases, however, the preliminary hearing never happens. Criminal cases are usually resolved by plea agreement or sent to downtown Phoenix for further prosecution.
What happens if a case is not resolved at the Superior Court in Mesa?
Your case will be sent to the superior court in downtown Phoenix. A Phoenix judge will schedule a trial and routine court dates. The exact procedure can vary; it’s best to consult a criminal lawyer to fully understand how your case might proceed.
It’s Important to Speak with a Defense Attorney that Handles Felony Cases in Mesa, AZ.
If you have a felony case at Mesa’s Superior Court, it’s wise to consult a Mesa criminal lawyer. A criminal attorney can explain your rights and options, and help you navigate through a confusing court process. Having a dedicated and experienced defense attorney maximizes your opportunities for a desirable outcome.
Contact Tobin Law Office for a Free and Confidential Consultation about Your
Felony Case at the Superior Court in Mesa, Arizona.
Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: 480-447-4837
Fax: 480-447-4837
Email: tim@tobinlawoffice.com
Website: TobinLawOffice.com
