Criminal Department

The Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County is the 4th largest trial court in the country.  The court has jurisdiction over all felony cases committed in Maricopa County.

The Criminal Department is the largest department within the court.  The department works in collaboration with other criminal justice agencies to efficiently resolve cases in a just manner, respecting the rights of defendants, victims, and the community.

In February of 2012, the Criminal Department began operations in the South Court Tower, a 700,000 square foot facility designed with access to justice in mind.  The South Court Tower facilitates the effective and efficient flow of felony criminal cases.

Specialized Courts

The Criminal Department anchors a number of specialized court calendars. These calendars help to expedite cases though the justice system, in addition to offering more specialized services where needed.

Case Procedures

The criminal courts hear cases where the State has filed charges against one or more persons alleged to have committed criminal offenses. Learn more about how a case generally moves through the court system by visiting the Case Procedures page.

Learn More About Criminal Court

The Criminal Department offers many innovative programs, projects, and courts.  Visit the Department Information page for more details about the various units within the department.  For document templates and information about the Criminal Department's Jail Tablet Hearing and SMART Cart programs, please click here.

Watch the video below to take a virtual tour of the South Court Tower.