Court Jurisdiction: What It Is and Why It is Important to Your Defense

Jurisdiction as it relates to criminal charges is a certain Court’s authority to hear specific types of cases. It involves both geographic elements as well as legal authority afforded by the State, County and Federal laws. Felonies and Misdemeanors have are heard in different courts. Generally, the city, county and state where a person is arrested, or accused of a crime, is the geographic location where the criminal justice court proceedings will begin. Below are some facts and guidelines for Arizona court jurisdiction for felonies and misdemeanors in Maricopa County:

1. Felonies are heard in the Arizona Superior Courts.  AZ Superior Court is considered only one entity, but they have different locations serving Arizona, and Maricopa County.
2. Misdemeanors are heard in the lower courts – Municipal Courts, City courts and Justice Courts in Arizona.  The Municipal Court in Mesa is located at:

   Mesa Municipal Court 

   250 E. 1st Avenue 

   Mesa, Arizona 85210 

   480-644-2255  

3. Felony cases sometimes have preliminary hearings in the lower courts (Municipal, City, and Justice Courts).
4. A defendant  may be charged with a misdemeanor initially, but later their charges can be raised to a felony, upon receipt of new evidence or completion of a criminal investigation.  The defendant will then be notified of the change,  higher charges, and new court location they will need to appear.
5. The Court in where the defendant needs to appear will be on the paperwork or Complaint they received following their arrest, or by other communication such as mail.