Downtown Justice Court

The Downtown Justice Court is a limited jurisdiction court that handles minor offenses such as misdemeanor crimes and traffic violations that occurred within the boundaries of the court (a map of the precinct is below). The Downtown Phoenix Justice Court’s jurisdictional boundaries are 19th Drive to the west, 56th Street to the east, Thomas Road to the north and Lower Buckeye Road to the south.

Basic Information

Court Address

620 W. Jackson
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Court Information

• Judge: Enrique Medina Ochoa
• Phone: (602) 372-6300
• Fax: (602) 372-6406
• Email Form: Form

Parking and Security Information

• Park in the front lot of the courthouse (metered parking)
• Parking garages near courthouse
• Visitors are required to pass through metal detectors
• Items brought into the courthouse go through xray machines

Payment Link for Court:  Link

Location

The Downtown Justice Court is located at 620 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003, located at the corner of University Street and Dobson Road. It is easily accessible by either the 101 or the 202 Freeways. 

Downtown Justice Precinct

Every court has a specific jurisdiction that it oversees. For the Downtown Justice Court to have jurisdiction over a misdemeanor crime, then it must occur within the set precinct boundaries. A map of the court’s boundaries is below:

If a case is brought in the Downtown Justice Court but the crime did not occur within its boundaries, then the court does not have jurisdiction to hear the case and the charges must be dismissed. The charges may be refiled if the statute of limitations for the crime has not yet run out, but it must be filed in the appropriate court that has jurisdiction over the case.

What is a Justice Court?

Arizona is pretty unique in that it is one of a few states to have the type of court known as a “justice court.” A justice court is nothing more than a limited jurisdiction court that only handles cases involving misdemeanors crimes.

Justice courts also hear every type of civil and criminal traffic violation, as well as civil lawsuits (private lawsuits between individuals) where the amount in dispute is less than $10,000.

Another unique feature is that the judge is called a justice of the peace. The justice of the peace is an elected official and are voted into their office for a four-year term. Many justices of the peace are not lawyers and do not receive the training that licensed attorneys receive. However,  they have the same powers as any other judge for a limited jurisdiction court in Arizona. It’s really important that you speak with a lawyer before going into the Downtown Justice Court for a charge brought against you. The Salwin Law Group can help. Call for a free consultation.

Justice of the Peace

Enrique Medina Ochoa is the current Justice of the Peace for Downtown Justice Court. Judge Medina has only served since July 2017. Judge Medina earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stanford, as well as a Master’s in Administration of Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and he attended law school at the University of San Diego Law School. He is not a licensed attorney.

How Did My Case End up in the Downtown Justice Court?

If you have a case that is assigned to the Downtown Justice Court, you probably have been charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense. The other type of offense, a felony offense, would require the case to be charged in one of the superior courts in Arizona.

The police agency that arrested you with the crime determines which court you are sent to. If you were arrested by a city police officer, your case will be heard in city court. If you were arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department, or if you are non-native arrested by the Salt River Police Department, then you will likely be charged in the Downtown Justice Court if the crime you allegedly committed was within the Downtown Precinct.

How Should I Dress to Attend Court?

Whenever you attend court, you want to dress as professionally as possible. You are setting the tone for the hearing and if you do not dress appropriately, the judge will take notice. Men should wear dress pants with a dress shirt and tie, with a suit jacket. Women should wear a dress or dress pants with a dress shirt and suit jacket or cardigan. No leggings, jeans or shorts should be worn.

If you are attending your hearing virtually, be sure to remain in one location, away from any background noise or other distractions.

Common Offenses

Common offenses that we see charged in the Downtown Justice Court involve alcohol-related offenses, such as Underage Driving with Alcohol in the Body, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, DUIs, Assault and Reckless Driving.

The Salwin Law Group Handles Cases in Downtown Justice Court

The Salwin Law Group has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with the Downtown Justice Court. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Stewart Salwin is well-versed in Maricopa County Attorney’s Office’s policies and sentencing guidelines. As a Harvard-graduate, he uses the skills he learned from the very best criminal defense attorneys in the country and he gets results for his clients. Do not go to court alone. Call the Salwin Law Group for a free evaluation of your case today.

Stewart Salwin has a proven record for being a zealous advocate for his clients. If you have been ordered to appear at the Downtown Justice Court, call for a free evaluation of your case first.