Phoenix Municipal Court

If you have been arrested by the Phoenix Police Department for a DUI or any type of criminal charge, you were likely cited into the Phoenix Municipal Court. The court is located at:

Phoenix Municipal Court

300 West Washington

Phoenix, AZ 85003

The Phoenix Municipal Court handles misdemeanor cases ranging from Reckless Driving,Shoplifting, and Disorderly Conduct to DUI and OUI (boating DUI) cases. The maximum penaltyfor a Class 1 Misdemeanor is 6 months in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. Given the possible penalties as well as other long term consequences resulting from a criminal record (i.e. diminished employement/professional opportunities, increased insurance rates, loss of professional licenses, etc.), it is advisable to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before making any decisions in your case.

If you were arrested by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office or Highway Patrol (AZ Department of Public Safety), you were likely cited into one of the following Maricopa County Justice Courts, depending on where you were within the Justice Precinct boundaries in Phoenix:

Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court

620 West Jackson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Desert Ridge Justice Court

18380 North 40^th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

Dreamy Draw Justice Court

18380 North 40^th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

Downtown Justice Court

620 West Jackson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Maryvale Justice Court

18380 North 40^th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

McDowell Mountain Justice Court

18380 North 40^th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

Moon Valley Justice Court

18380 North 40^th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

South Mountain Justice Court

620 West Jackson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003

West McDowell

620 West Jackson Street

Phoenix, AZ 85003

As with the Phoenix Municipal Court, Maricopa County Justice courts also handle misdemeanor cases with the same maximum penalties previously mentioned – 6 months in jail and $2,500.00 fine.

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges in the City of Phoenix – whether in the Phoenix Municipal Court, any of the Maricopa County Justice Courts, or the Maricopa County Superior Court, this Firm can help. We have represented countless individuals in City, Justice and Superior Courts throughout the Phoenix area and have the experience of over 17 years in the practice of criminal and DUI litigation. Mr. Buckallew is a Board Certified Criminal Defense attorney – as designated by the State Bar of Arizona, which means he has demonstrated superior knowledge in area of criminal and DUI law, as well as integrity, professionalism and competence as an attorney. Contact the Firm today at (602) 825-3300 for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options.

**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.

The Firm represents individuals charged with any misdemeanor violation as well as matters involving order’s of protection, restraining order’s and violation of restraining orders in the Gilbert Municipal Court. A class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona carries a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in jail and $2,500 fine (plus surcharges). If you have been issued a criminal traffic citation or received a summons by mail in the Town of Gilbert, you will be required to appear in court for your Arraignment hearing. A failure to appear in court on your Arraignment date, or any other criminal court date could result in a warrant for your arrest and trial could also proceed in your absence. What can you expect at your Arraignment hearing? At this hearing, you will enter one of three pleas to the charges you are facing, 1) a plea of Not Guilty, 2) a plea of Guilty, or 3) a plea of No Contest. It is critical to seek the advice of counsel and understand the consequences of each of these plea options before making any decisions. Depending on how you plea to the court will determine the next steps in your case.

If you enter of plea of Guilty or a plea of No Contest, the next step will be sentencing which may result in a criminal record, fees and fines, jail and/or probation, possible DMV consequences, possible immigration consequences and required classes, such as alcohol, anger management or other types of classes. Before making these decisions, it is advisable to seek the advice of counsel to understand your rights and legal options.

If you enter a plea of Not Guilty, the Court will set your case for a Pre-Trial Conference hearing. At the Pre-Trial Conference hearing, you and your attorney will have an opportunity to discuss your case with the assigned prosecutor, obtain copies of the discovery, which could include the complaint, police report, witness statements, photographs, audio/video recordings, blood/urine/breath results, and any other evidence the prosecutor will use to prove their case against you in court. If you and your attorney are able to negotiate an acceptable plea resolution at this time then your case will be set for a change of plea and sentencing hearing. However, if the parties are unable to reach agreement on acceptable terms for case resolution, your case may then be set for a bench or jury trial. Whether you are eligible for a jury trial will depend on what type of charges you have pending. Your attorney will be able to advise whether or not your case is eligible for a jury trial. This Firm has handled countless misdemeanor cases and has achieved favorable outcomes in these types of cases, ranging from full dismissal of charges, to acquittal after bench or jury trials, to settling the case to a reduced charged. Every case presents with a unique set of circumstances and no guarantees can be made as to the outcome of your case. The attorney has a reputation for zealously defending each of his clients and will launch an aggressive defense on your behalf.

In the event you are found guilty at trial, you have the right to appeal your conviction but be sure to pay close attention to your appeal deadlines which will be provided to you by the sentencing Judge. You have fourteen days from the date of sentencing to file your Notice of Appeal with the Gilbert Municipal Court. The Firm also handles appeals for convictions in the Gilbert Municipal Court so contact the Firm for a free consultation regarding your appeal rights, including petitions for post-conviction relief (PCR), special actions, claims of ineffective assistance of counsel, and petitions for clemency.

The Firm also represents individuals in matters involving order’s of protection, restraining orders, and violations of restraining orders. For more information on these matter’s, please click here.

Contact the Firm today for your free consultation regarding any criminal charge in the Gilbert Municipal Court at (602) 825-3300.

A reckless driving ticket in AZ is a serious criminal traffic violation in terms of associated penalties upon conviction. Reckless driving is defined in section 28-693 of the Arizona Revised Statutes as:

1. A person who drives a vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
2. A person convicted of reckless driving is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

The penalties associated with a reckless driving conviction (first offense) can include up to a maximum of 4 months in jail, a $750.00 fine (plus 84% surcharge) and suspension of driving privileges for up to 90 days. In addition, this is 8 points against your driver’s license and can also cause a substantial increase in your car insurance rates. If a person has a prior history of reckless driving within a 24 month period, this can be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor, which, if convicted, can result in jail time of up to 6 months (20 days minimum), up to a maximum of $2,500.00 fine (plus 84% surcharge), and revocation of driving privileges.

The State takes criminal traffic violations very seriously and given the possiblity for jail time, steep fines, possible increase in insurance rates, and loss of driving privileges, it is advantageous to seek the advice and representation of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can launch an aggressive defense on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving, aggressive driving, or any other criminal traffic violation, contact the Firm for a free consultation regarding your rights and legal options. We represent individuals in the East Valley (Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Casa Grande, San Tan Valley and Queen Creek), Phoenix and surrounding cities, and throughout the State of Arizona.

Criminal damage charges can range in severity from a low level misdemeanor to a more serious felony, depending on the allegations. For example, if a person recklessly damages property valued at more than $250.00 but less than $1,000.00 dollars, then this would be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. In the most serious cases, criminal damage can be charged as a class 4 felony if the damages are valued at $10,000 or more (or $5,000 or more if the damages involved the property of a utility). The penalty for misdemeanor criminal damage charges, if convicted, can be up to a maximum of six months in jail and a $2,500.00 fine. Felony charges can result in up to a maximum of 3.75 years in jail. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be significant and long lasting, including a criminal record, exposure to incarceration, fees and fines, probation services, and can have a negative impact on current or future employment aspirations. If you have been charged with a criminal damage violation, the Firm can review your case at no charge and discuss your legal options. Contact the Firm today to arrange your free consultation (602) 825-3300.

• You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions.
• Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law.
• You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning now or in the future.
• If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before any questioning if you wish.
• If you decide to answer questions now without an attorney present you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an attorney.

Whether you are in custody, or out of custody, it is important to understand that you should not speak with anyone about your case except your attorney. This is especially true if you are in custody, as all of your communications can be monitored, especially communications on jail telephones. Communications with your attorney are protected and privileged, including communications over the jail telephones. Therefore, do not communicate with anybody about your case other than your attorney. This applies to individuals who are in custody and out of custody.

For more information regarding the Miranda warning and whether this can be raised as a possible defense in your case, contact the Firm to speak with a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney.