In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependecy and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Limited jurisdiction courts consist of municipal and justice courts. Based on the type of court, the cases heard vary and the judicial appointment process differs. An explanation of the two court types is found below along with a brief list of what they have jurisdiction over. Every courthouse in Arizona accepts filings for protective orders.
Municipal Courts
Municipal courts are also known as city court or magistrate court. Municipal courts oversee misdemeanor crimes and petty offenses committed in the city or town of the courthouse. Cases include:
- Driving under the influence
- Hit-and-run
- Reckless driving where no serious injuries occurred
- Civil traffic cases
- violations of city codes and ordinances
- Orders of Protection
- Injunctions prohibiting harassment
Justice Courts
Justice court cases are overseen by the justice of the peace appointed to that specific precinct. Justice courts hear traffic cases and certain criminal and civil cases. Cases include:
- Domestic violence and harassment
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Property possession rights
- Search warrants
- Claims $10,000 or less
- Petty offenses and misdemeanors
- Assault or battery
- Breaches of peace and committing a willful injury to property
- Misdemeanors and criminal offenses where the punishment is not more than $2,5000 and/or prison time is no longer than 6 months
- Felonies for the purpose of issuing warrants and conducting preliminary hearings