About the Justice Courts

Did you know?

• Most felony trials in Yuma County get their start in the Justice Courts.
• Justices of the Peace routinely sign search warrants and issue court orders to aid in criminal investigations.
• The Yuma County Justice Courts (3 precincts) processed approximately 25,000 cases filings in 2000.

The Justice Courts are limited jurisdiction courts, which means that state law defines and limits the types of cases they hear.

Justice Courts process criminal offenses including felony cases through the preliminary hearing stage and misdemeanor violations.

The Yuma County attorney's office files criminal complaints in the Justice Court precinct where the alleged offense occurred. Justices of the Peace routinely issue search warrants for investigations into felony crimes. Felony complaints are NOT filed or processed in municipal courts.

Initial Appearances

Justices of the Peace also conduct initial appearances for suspects in felony cases. This hearing has four main purposes:

• Defendants are informed of the charges pending against them
• They are informed of their right to an attorney. If they can show that they are unable to afford an attorney, the court will appoint one.
• The terms of the defendant's release are established. The court will determine whether the defendant will be held in-custody, with or without bond, released own recognizance, or to a third party.
• A date is set for the preliminary hearing or next court appearance.

Preliminary Hearing

This hearing is held before the Justice of the Peace of the precinct in which the crime allegedly occurred but can also be held in Superior Court. The prosecutor must show in a preliminary hearing probable cause to believe that the crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. The Justice of the Peace may DISMISS the case or find PROBABLE CAUSE. If probable cause is found the defendant is bound over to the Yuma County Superior Court. The Justice Court sets an arraignment date for the defendant in Superior Court and transmits the case to that court for further proceedings.