Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
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:
- 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.
- Misdemeanors are heard in the lower courts – Municipal Courts, City courts and Justice Courts in Arizona. The Municipal Court in Mesa is located at: