Night Court Commissioners

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County accepts applications for appointment as a Night Court Commissioner only during specifically advertised periods.

Night Court Commissioners are part-time Judicial Officers appointed to provide overnight judicial coverage in the Initial Appearance (IA) Criminal Court. They preside over IA matters and are also appointed as Judges Pro Tempore (JPT) to ensure they have the necessary legal authority. These positions require evening, weekend and holiday work. 

As Judicial employees of the Court, Night Court Commissioners are not permitted to serve as Judges Pro Tem in other areas of the Superior Court, or Justice Courts.

Schedule, Pay, and Benefits

Night Court Commissioners work part-time, 42 hours per two-week pay period, and will cover overnight shifts from 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM, including weekends and holidays.  Four Night Court Commissioners are assigned to handle the overnight shifts.

The standard rotation is:

• Seven days on, seven days off
• 6-hour shifts each day, with a 30-minute unpaid break
• Two shift blocks (evening and overnight) are staggered to ensure overlap with daytime and nighttime coverage

Once a Night Court Commissioner’s schedule is determined, it applies regardless of court-observed holidays. 

The pay rate for this position is $86.54 per hour. Fringe benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, prorated paid sick and vacation time, prorated holiday pay, and participation in a state-sponsored retirement program.

Night Court Commissioners will work at the Intake, Transfer, and Release facility located at 2670 S. 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009.

Application Process

The online application is only accessible on our website during our open recruitment period.  We are currently accepting applications May 19, 2026 - noon June 5, 2026.

• The online application is only accessible on our website during our open recruitment period. We are currently accepting applications beginning at 8:00 am May 19, 2026 through 12 noon June 5, 2026.
• Completed applications, including the completed personal history statement section must be received by the deadline.
• The application includes a lengthy personal history section. The information you can expect to be collected in this section can be found in this document.
• You are welcome to submit up to 6 references with your online personal history statement and application. You will also be provided a personalized link upon completion of the application to solicit feedback from your supporters through our electronic feedback system, which is our preferred way to receive feedback.
• Applications will be screened and selected candidates will be interviewed by a special Selection Committee and referred to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
• The Presiding Judge will make the final appointments.

Commissioner Recruitment Portal

Applicants will be required to register to use the portal, and upon registration will be taken to the application and personal history screens. 

View Portal FAQs

Portal Applicant Registration Instructions

Requirements

Candidates for this position must be:

• A United States Citizen
• A duly licensed member of the State Bar of Arizona, for a period of not less than five years preceding appointment
• A resident of the State of Arizona, for a period of not less than five years immediately preceding appointment
• Applicants need not be a resident at the time of their application, however, under A.R.S. 12-211 (B) must be a resident of Maricopa County when appointed

Night Court Commissioners serve as judges pro tempore in the course of their regular duties. The Arizona Constitution, Article VI, §22 requires that judicial nominees must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, and admitted to the practice of law in and a resident of the State for five years immediately preceding appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

View the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)