CRIMINAL CASES AT THE WEST MESA JUSTICE COURT
West Mesa Justice Court handles misdemeanors charged by the Department of Public Safety and Maricopa County’s Sheriff’s Office. Your misdemeanor will be at West Mesa Justice Court if the incident took place within West Mesa’s jurisdictional boundaries.
The courthouse is near the crossroads of University and Dobson. It can be hard to recognize because it’s in an old bank building.
West Mesa Justice Court Location
2050 West University Drive
Mesa, Arizona 85201
Contact West Mesa Justice Court
Phone: 480-964-2958
This court does not accept fax.
West Mesa Justice Court Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except holidays.
West Mesa Justice Court Parking
There’s free parking behind the court building. There’s no covered parking. There’s handicap parking near the court’s north side entrance.
Who is the West Mesa Justice Court Judge? In 2018, Elaissia Sears was elected by the public to serve as West Mesa’s Justice of the Peace. In 2019, she took office as the Justice of the Peace of the West Mesa Justice Court. Judge Sears is a graduate of Arizona State University; she holds degrees in Global Studies and German. In addition, she holds certifications in Political Entreprenuership, Women and Gender Studies, and International Relationsions. While Judge Sears is not an attorney, she completed a judicial training program in 2019.
Attorney Tim Tobin Provides Clients with a Dedicated and Experienced Defense in West Mesa Justice Court Cases
Tobin Law Office is located on Stapley Drive off the US 60. We’re just a seven miles from the West Mesa Justice Court. Being so close, we consider it one of our home courts.
Appearing in this Court often, Mr. Tobin regularly works with West Mesa’s Judge, court staff, and prosecutor’s office. Mr. Tobin’s a former employee of the Maricopa County Attorney’s, which prosecutes West Mesa Justice Court cases. For these reasons, Tobin Law Office is familiar with the intricacies of defending cases in West Mesa.
If you have a criminal case at the West Mesa Justice Court, it’s crucial that you find a criminal lawyer who’s familiar with this Court. It adds valuable insight if that attorney previously worked for the West Mesa Justice Court’s prosecutor’s office.
Look at Your Paperwork for Your First Court Date at West Mesa Justice Court
Your court paperwork should contain your first court date at West Mesa Justice Court. The first court date is your arraignment.
What to do when you get to West Mesa Justice Court
Park behind the courthouse on the north side of the building. The front entrance is also on the north side. When you enter, you’ll need to go through security. No weapons, drugs, or contraband are permitted. You’ll be asked to check in at the front counter and court staff will tell you where to wait. When inside the courtroom, be quiet and respectful. When your name is called, step forward to politely address the Judge. This court is particularly strict about electronic devices. You cannot use them inside the courtroom and you cannot talk on your phone anywhere in the building.
What to wear and bring to West Mesa Justice Court
Dress appropriate for Court. Avoid sunglasses, sandals, and offensive or provocative attire. We recommend business casual. By dressing professionally, you make a positive impression on the prosecutor and judge.
Bring any paperwork related to your case. If you’ve remedied any civil charge, bring proof of that. If you’ve completed a finger print order, bring proof of completion.
The Court doesn’t allow food or drinks. You cannot talk on your phone inside the building. Electronic devices may not be used in the courtroom. Avoid bringing children. If children are disruptive, they may be asked to leave.
Your First Court Date: Arraignment at West Mesa Justice Court
The arraignment is routine, but time consuming. Every defendant is called up one by one. The judge verifies everyone’s name, address, and date of birth. The judge reads the charges and potential penalties. The judge also asks for everyone’s plea. You should plead not guilty. You have many options, programs, and defenses to take advantage of. Once you plead guilty, those options are gone. Thus, even if you you’re guilty of a criminal charge, the arraignment isn’t the time to take responsibility. You should at least meet with the prosecutor first.
The arraignment isn’t the time to discuss facts or issues in the case. Those need to be brought to the prosecutor at a pretrial conference. The Judge cannot hear evidence or motions without the prosecutor’s input. The prosecutor won’t be present at the arraignment.
The Court may address release conditions at arraignment. Release conditions depend on the charges, facts, personal circumstances, victim input, and any relevant information. In most West Mesa Justice Court cases, the court imposes standard release conditions. Sometimes the Court will impose restraining orders in victim cases.
Before the arraignment, you should consult with a criminal attorney who’s versed in the criminal procedures of West Mesa Justice Court. At a minimum, a consultation will help you understand your options.
Tobin Law Office Simplifies the Arraignment and Pretrial Conference Process
We file the requisite paperwork to vacate the arraignment and we appear at your pretrial conferences for you. You won’t have to take time from work or family; you’ll take comfort in knowing that a professional is handling your case.
Pretrial Conferences
After arraignment, the remaining hearings before a trial, dismissal, or plea agreement are called pretrial conferences. At each pretrial, you, or your attorney, will meet the prosecutor to review the case, exchange evidence, and negotiate.
West Mesa Justice Court often holds several pretrial conferences before a criminal case is resolved by plea bargain, trial, or dismissal. The judge usually doesn’t hear evidence or testimony at pretrial conferences, unless there’s a written motion filed in advance. Pretrial conferences serve as informal meetings to aid in case resolution.
You need to show up to all your pretrial conferences, unless a criminal attorney goes in your place. When you get to court for pretrial, check in at the service counter. Court staff will direct you to wait in the lobby for the prosecutor. We recommend showing up early to sign in. There can be a long wait. When it’s your turn, the prosecutor will call you into their office. In the prosecutor’s office, you’ll negotiate your future with a trained professional. Mr. Tobin cautions clients that the prosecutors aren’t there to help you. Their main job is to move the calendar, convict you, and seek punishment. Unfortunately, you’ll be a number in a long line of cases.
Trial
When a criminal case cannot be negotiated, diverted, or dismissed, the case is set for trial. At trial, a trained prosecutor presents the case against you through testimony and evidence. Defendants can testify, cross examine witnesses, call witnesses, and present argument. If you’re found not guilty of all charges, the case is over and you’re free to go. If you’re convicted of any offense, the judge will sentence you that day. If jail is ordered, the Judge will permit you to pick a self-surrender date. The Judge can also order work release, probation, fines, community service, counseling, and more.
Look up Your West Mesa Justice Court Case Online.
West Mesa JC Case Search: Justice Court Case Search
West Mesa JC Calendar: West Mesa Justice Court Calendar
Possible Penalties at West Mesa Justice Court
West Mesa Justice Court only hears misdemeanors. Arizona’s misdemeanor laws dictate that the maximum jail is 180 days, 3 years of probation, and $2,500 in fines, plus surcharges, costs, and assessments. Depending on the specific charges, there can be classes, restitution, counseling, and more. Maybe worst of all, a misdemeanor can leave a permanent criminal record.
Maximum jail for Arizona misdemeanors under A.R.S. § 13-707.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: 6 months
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: 4 months
- Class 3 Misdemeanor: 1 month
Maximum probation for Arizona misdemeanors under A.R.S. § 13-902.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: 3 years
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: 2 years
- Class 3 Misdemeanor: 1 year
Maximum fines for Arizona misdemeanors under A.R.S. § 13-802.
- Total court payments can exceed $10,000 after surcharges, assessments, and costs
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: $2,500, plus surcharge, fees, assessments, and jail costs
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: $750, plus surcharge, fees, assessments, and jail costs
- Class 3 Misdemeanor: $500, plus surcharge, fees, assessments, and jail costs
Additional Penalties. Depending on the specific charge, there can be license suspensions, restitution, community service, treatment, classes, courses, loss of gun rights, immigration consequences, and more.
DUI Penalties. DUI penalties are complex and fact depended. It helps to reference our page on Arizona’s Misdemeanor DUI penalties.
It’s Smart to Consult a Knowledgeable and Experienced West Mesa Criminal Attorney.
If you have a criminal case at West Mesa Justice Court, you should hire a lawyer who regularly practices there; a defense attorney can guide you through an intimidating and confusing court system, while protecting your rights and interests. Professional representation puts you in the best position to reduce or dismiss charges, protect your rights, and minimize consequences.
Tobin Law Office defends clients in a wide-range of criminal cases at West Mesa Justice Court. Here’s some common charges we handle there:
- DUI: Slightest Degree, Regular, Extreme, Super Extreme, Underage DUI, Marijuana DUI, Prescription Drug DUI, Boating DUI
- Criminal Traffic: Excessive Speeding, Aggressive Driving, Reckless Driving, Driving on a Suspended License, Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Quash Warrants
- Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear
- Underage Drinking: Minor in Possession and Minor in Consumption
- Property Offenses: Theft, Trespassing, Shoplifting, Property Damage
- Violent Crimes: Assault, Threatening or Intimidating
- Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace
- Animal Cruelty
- Domestic Violence
- Set Asides of Convictions (“Expungement”) and Restoration of Rights
- Probation Violations
- Commercial Vehicle Violations
How do I quash a warrant at West Mesa Justice Court?
If you have an active warrant from West Mesa Justice Court, it should be handled as soon as possible. A warrant can lead to arrest, a suspended license, and additional charges. Tobin Law Office can appear for you or file a motion to quash the warrant. Quashing a warrant, by written motion, avoids having to post bond or personally appearing in court.
What if I cannot make my court date at West Mesa Justice Court?
Court dates aren’t optional; you must be present. If you cannot go, a written motion must be granted before the hearing, or a licensed attorney must appear for you. If you miss Court, a warrant will issue for your arrest, a bond will be set, MVD will suspend your license, and you’ll face additional charges. West Mesa doesn’t accept faxed motions. The judge must grant your continuance before your scheduled court date.
Contact Our Office for a Free and Confidential Consultation with Attorney Tobin about your case at West Mesa Justice Court.
Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: 480-447-4837
Fax: 480-447-4837
Email: tim@tobinlawoffice.com
Website: TobinLawOffice.com
