Criminal Cases & Warrants

Your initial court proceeding is called an arraignment. At the arraignment, you will be formally notified of the charges and rights. You will be expected to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Plead guilty or no contest

If you plead guilty or no contest, your sentence may include financial sanctions, jail, education/treatment programs (alcohol, drug, mental health, domestic violence offender treatment, etc.). You may also be eligible for a public defender. See Public Defender/Court Appointed Attorney section below for more information.

Plead not guilty

If you plead not guilty, your case will be set to a future court date. At the pre-trial conference, you will meet with a City Prosecutor and discuss a possible plea agreement and options. Be aware that the Prosecutor is not your attorney and they are prohibited from providing legal advice on how your case should be handled.

Also referred to as PTC/CMC/TRC. These hearings are set after the Arraignment setting, if needed. They are set to ensure that the case is progressing appropriately and that both parties have an opportunity to communicate with each other and the Court. The case can be resolved or set to trial at any of these settings if the parties agree. Some of these hearings can be held virtually, see Virtual Hearings section below for more information.

If an agreement is not made between the parties, the case will be set to trial. Often times parties have an option to choose between a Bench Trial or Jury Trial. Only certain charges are Jury Trial eligible. A Bench Trial is a trial where the outcome is determined by the Judge. A jury trial is a trial where the outcome is determined by a jury of your peers. At the time of trial, parties should be prepared to present testimony, witnesses and exhibits.

The Court has a TV that digital exhibits can be displayed on. Parties must bring their own equipment (laptop etc) to plug in to the TV. Parties must have copies to submit to the court and the other party. Printed copies of exhibits are preferred and acceptable. CD/DVD’s are preferred for digital copies. The Court will not access jump drives.

If you do not appear at the date and time of the trial it could be held without you and/or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

If found guilty at trial or upon entering a plea agreement the Judge will impose a sentence that may include: jail, education/treatment programs, fines and fees. Court staff will provide all sentencing documents and orders with a brief explanation and next steps. All fines and fees are due the day of sentencing. Do not ignore your responsibility to pay the fines because of financial hardship as there are a number of payment options available from the court. See Payment Options for more information.

Parties must motion the Court for a virtual hearing, for each appearance. Motions for a virtual hearing must be granted by a Judge, otherwise you are expected to appear in person. Virtual hearings are conducted via an application called CourtCall. The Court will send out a link and instructions once granted by the Judge.

You may appear on a walk-in basis under the following circumstances:

• During the Courts walk-in hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• Only motions to quash a warrant and motions for new confinement orders (home detention and electronic monitoring included) will be seen as a walk-in. Not every issue and motion will be seen as a walk-in.

*Please Note: Attorneys (if applicable), must have their client present with them. Defendants may appear with or without their attorney.

Protective Order walk-ins will be seen in criminal courtrooms under the following circumstances:

• Petitions, motions, and requests for hearings may be filed at the Court, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Judges are available to hear the following from 8:30 a.m. - noon and 1:30 - 5 p.m.
• New Protective Order Petition Filings
• Injunction Against Harassment
• Injunction Against Workplace Harassment
• Plaintiff Motions to Quash or Modify a Protective Order

Public Defender’s are available if the case qualifies (prosecutor seeking jail, etc.) and the defendant qualifies financially. If you would like to request a public defender, this can be requested at arraignment or pre-trial conference. Courtroom clerks can provide the appropriate form to complete.

Scottsdale City Court participates and operates specialized court proceedings for the following members of our community:

• Community Intervention Court – For defendants experiencing homelessness or mental health related issues.
• Domestic Violence Court – For defendants with a domestic violence charge and court ordered treatment.
• East Valley Regional Veterans Court – For defendants that are veterans.
• Inmate Release Court Program – For defendants who are currently incarcerated.
• Maricopa County Regional Homeless Court – For defendants experiencing homelessness.

If you have been ordered to complete jail, home detention, alcohol, drug, domestic violence offender treatment or any other program, it is your responsibility to contact the providers by the ordered date. Once you have completed a court order you should send proof of completion/certificate, with your full name and case number, to the Court via email/mail/fax/drop box. If emailing, attach as a PDF document, and ensure your submission is clear and legible. If you fail to provide proof of progress and/or completion to the Court an Order to Show Cause Hearing may be set and you will be required to appear in Court.

• City of Scottsdale jail dorm – offers confinement options and can receive bonds after hours.
• City of Scottsdale Youth and Family Services – can complete program screenings and help find program providers. They have an office located in the Court.
• Maricopa County Sheriff Intake Transfer and Release (ITR) –
  2670 S. 28^th Drive, Phoenix, AZ. 85009
• Sentinel Offender Services – Home Detention Electronic Monitoring provider –
  3806 N. 3^rd St., Phoenix, AZ. 85012
  602-523-9800