Maricopa County Justice Courts

09/08/2026

"The Hub of the Wheels"
..that's how clerks describe their supervisor at the Manistee Justice Court. They nominated Venassa (yes, don't you love the unusual spelling?) for our monthly CRAFT Award because she supports them in so many ways.

While the while court staff cheered the win, Venassa pushed it back on them.

“It affirms that I work with a great group,” she said. “They truly manage themselves. But you know what? A good team makes you look better.”

A good team, indeed! Venassa was just the latest in a line of several from Manistee who were nominated and subsequently won the award.

It's a pleasure to see good work rewarded. Congratulations!

09/04/2026

Reminder that our courts are closed Monday.
Labor Day message to our staff from Court Administrator Jennifer Harrold:
Dear Justice Courts,

As we recognize Labor Day, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for the work you do every day in service to the public.

As court employees, the work we do matters. Every day, you help ensure that our courts serve the community with professionalism, fairness, compassion, and respect. Whether assisting someone at the counter, supporting a courtroom, processing important documents, answering questions, making impactful decisions or handling the many responsibilities behind the scenes, your efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Public service is not always easy, and much of what you do may go unnoticed. Please know that your dedication, commitment, and willingness to assist others are valued and appreciated.

Thank you for the important role you play in our courts and in our community. I am grateful for your hard work and for the care you bring to serving others.

I hope you have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Labor Day weekend.

09/01/2026

08/18/2026

EVICTION HELP!
Maricopa County announces a limited pilot program to help renters in four zip codes avoid eviction. If it's successful, we hope it expands to all areas.
Details on location and eligibility in the first comment.

08/10/2026

Studies show that veterans facing court issues may be reluctant to ask for the extra help they need. But the fact is that courts have lots of resources to connect veterans with services that can help restore their lives to wholeness.
If you're a veteran with a court case, ask our clerks about Veterans Treatment Court! You'll be surprised how many people and organizations will spring into action.
Learn more here: www.justicecourts.maricopa.gov/VTC

08/06/2026

We're hiring at our center in Surprise- Isn't it time you joined a great team with excellent benefits?! Click the link in the first comment.

08/04/2026

Earlier we told you about civil traffic violations. Today- what qualifies as criminal?
Criminal traffic tickets are for more serious violations, such criminal speeding (typically going 20 miles per hour over posted speed limit), driving under the influence, and reckless driving.
If the offense on your citation is listed as criminal, you MUST appear before a judge at the date and time specified on your ticket. You can do this in person or virtually in most courts. Call to ask first.
When you see the judge you have three options: plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If you choose to plead guilty, you are admitting that you committed the infraction for which you were ticketed. Pleading not guilty means that you are denying responsibility for the charge(s) against you. The judge will give you a trial or pre-trial date. If you choose this route, you have rights as a defendant. Pleading no contest means you are neither admitting or denying the charges, then the judge will read over the charges and impose fines/sanctions.
For a more comprehensive guide you can visit the traffic page in our website. And please DO NOT ignore your citation, this can result in greater fines and consequences.
Drive safely!

08/02/2026

So you got a traffic ticket… what do you do now? To help you better understand your options we’re taking you through the differences between civil and criminal traffic tickets, starting today with civil.
Your ticket will have a box with a check which lets you know which type it is.
A civil traffic ticket is a minor traffic violation. Some common examples of civil traffic violations are speeding, running a red light, expired registration and driving without a seatbelt.
When you receive a civil traffic ticket you typically will choose one of three options: Deny responsibility and request a hearing, admit responsibility and pay the civil penalty, or attend defensive driving school (many, but not all charges are eligible).
A civil violation doesn’t require you to appear in front of a judge unless you are denying responsibility, but you are able to see a judge if you wish to. Fines will vary depending on the violation and will be listed on the information you received with the ticket.
For a more comprehensive guide to the process you can visit the traffic page on our website. And please DO NOT ignore your citation, this can result in greater fines and consequences!
And check back Tuesday for info on criminal violations.

07/30/2026

It's great when your coworkers nominate you for an award- it's even better when the nomination comes from the boss!
Justice of the Peace Jennifer Jermaine recently nominated her clerk- Yuvitza- for our version of Employee of the Month - the CRAFT Award.
“Yuvi leads with quiet strength and compassion for all those who come through our court,” Jermaine wrote. “She serves as a mentor to all our Clerk II positions and takes great care in teaching them case processing and courtroom procedures.”
The whole Ocotillo Court Center erupted in applause as Yuvi shyly accepted the award.
“I’m always in competition with myself,” she smiled. “I always strive to be as best as I can possibly be. Just for myself. And see how far I can go.”
Well, it wasn't long after that when Yuvi earned a promotion to deputy court manager, showing that great work has its rewards.
Thank you, Yuvi, for all that you do!

07/28/2026

ABC15's Cameron Polom came across something inspiring and thought the world should know: a Justice of the Peace doing work *off* the Bench to make people feel better. In his Uplifting Arizona report- learn about Judge Sharron Sauls and her drive to improve lives in and out of the courtroom.