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Parking Ticket Information

Hearing Information

  • If you request a hearing, it will be scheduled approximately 4 weeks from the date your request was received.
  • You may present your own case at your hearing or retain an attorney.  If you choose to have an attorney represent you, they must inform the Court in writing 10 days before the hearing date.
  • If you are found "Responsible", the Court will indicate what your penalty will be.  This penalty may be different than the amount you originally owed.  The amount owed is DUE IN FULL on the day the Court rules.  You can discuss payment schedules with the Court; be aware that there is a fee added for setting up a payment plan.
  • There is no prosecutor to represent the State. 
  • The witnesses for the state testify first.  After each witness has testified, you will have a chance to ask them questions.  After the witnesses have testified, you present your case. 
  • You may call your own witnesses who know something about the incident to testify for you.  You may testify on your own behalf.  You may also present other evidence like documents, photographs, etc...
  • The Court official may also question you and others involved to find out what happened.
  • The Burden of Proof required for the Court to make a decision is based on the evidence presented.

You have two options if you received a parking ticket:

Option #1:

Contact the Court, prior to or on the court date, and enter a plea of responsible

This means that you agree that you committed the parking violation and will pay the full fine listed on the ticket.  To find information on what methods of payment are accepted or if the courthouse accepts online payments, look up the location of the courthouse listed on your ticket here.

Option #2:

Enter a Plea of Not Responsible with the Court on your court date

This plea means that you do not believe that you committed a parking violation and wish to have a hearing. If you have multiple violations, you have to enter a plea for each violation.

You will then set up a hearing date, which will be scheduled approximately 4 weeks from the date of your request.

Appealing a Parking Ticket

You have the right to appeal the final decision of the Court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment.  You are not required to pay the fine or post the bond to exercise your right to appeal.  However, if you choose to not pay the fine on the day the judgment is entered or make arrangements to pay, the Court will enter a default judgment against you and additional fees will be charged.

An appeal is a legal process where the Superior Court reviews the decision of the lower court (Justice or Municipal).  If your hearing WAS recorded, than that is what the Court official will listen to and base their decision on.  If your case WAS NOT recorded, than you can request a new hearing.  You are NOT allowed to present new evidence or testimony.  You are responsible for all fees and charges related to your appeal.

If you Fail to Pay your Fine or Appear for your Court Date

If you 1) fail to appear on your assigned Court date or 2) fail to comply with the sentencing requirements, a default judgment of "Responsible" (Guilty) will be given.  Once a default judgment is imposed:

  • The Court will notify the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) that you are in default
  • Your license will be suspended
  • You will be required to pay the fine, a default fee, and additional fees to the MVD to get your license reinstated
  • The Court may notify the Arizona Department of Revenue and collect your fees through your tax refunds
  • Additional collection fees will be added to your account balance

If you drive while your license is suspended, you will be subject to criminal penalties and additional sanctions.

My car was impounded. Who do I contact to get it back or information on where it is being stored?

The Court does not have this information for you.  If you no longer have your citation or if it is not listed on your citation, you can contact the local police department to get these details.