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The Verde Valley Justice Court is part of the Yavapai County judicial system and serves communities in the Verde Valley region, including Cottonwood and Camp Verde. The court handles DUI cases, misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes under $10,000, and traffic violations. It also provides various support services to Verde Valley residences in a wide range of legal cases.
Justice of the Peace David P. Gordon presides over the Verde Valley Justice Court. Court hours are weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and offers online services for case information and fine payments. Language interpreters are available for non-English speakers upon request.
10 South 6th Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Justice of the Peace: David P. Gordon
Phone: 928-639-5820
Website: https://courts.yavapaiaz.gov/Departments/Justice-Courts/Justice-Court-Precincts/Verde-Valley-JC
Note: Not all payments are acceptable online, and partial payments are only available for those with payment plans.
Language interpreters are provided upon request for non-English speakers. Contact the court in advance if you need an interpreter or have accessibility requirements
The Verde Valley Justice Court is located at 10 South 6th Street in Cottonwood, Arizona. From Interstate 17, take Exit 287 for AZ-260 West/Finnie Flat Rd. toward Cottonwood. Follow AZ-260 West for approximately 14 miles until reaching Cottonwood.
Turn left onto North Main Street/AZ-89a and continue for 0.5 miles. Then, turn left to stay on AZ-89a/Cottonwood St. After approximately 0.2 miles, turn right/north on 6th Street. Then turn left/west onto Paula St. The courthouse is on the right-hand side in the Yavapai County complex.
Public transportation options to the Verde Valley Justice Court are limited. However, Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT) provides bus service within Cottonwood and surrounding areas. To reach the court using CAT, take Route 1 or Route 2. The nearest bus stop is Main Street and Mingus Avenue. Check the CAT website or call (928)-634-2287 for current schedules and route information.
Visitors to the Yavapai County complex should follow the signs directing them to the Justice Court. Upon arrival, pass through a security checkpoint. At the front desk, the court clerk will assist by checking in visitors and directing them to the appropriate courtroom or waiting area.
Inside the building, it is important to silence cell phones and adhere to proper courtroom etiquette.
The Verde Valley Justice Court Precinct covers several Yavapai County, Arizona communities. It includes the incorporated towns of Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Jerome, and the western half of Sedona. The precinct includes unincorporated areas such as Cornville, Lake Montezuma, McGuireville, Page Springs, Rim Rock, Verde Villages, and the Village of Oak Creek.
This precinct spans nearly 1,200 square miles and serves over 70,000 people. The area features diverse terrain and elevations, ranging from about 3,000 feet in Camp Verde to over 5,000 feet in Jerome. Despite being described as a “high desert,” the region boasts mountains, wildflowers, cedar and juniper forests, and numerous creeks and rivers.
Justice Courts in Yavapai County, Arizona, serve as local courts handling minor criminal cases, civil disputes under $10,000, and traffic violations. The county has six precincts, including the Verde Valley Justice Court, which covers a large rural area. Each court is presided over by an elected Justice of the Peace who manages various cases, including small claims and misdemeanor offenses.
Examples of cases that Yavapai County Justice Courts preside over include:
The Verde Valley Justice Court sees many traffic violations due to its jurisdiction over parts of Interstate 40 and Route 66. It operates Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Visitors should arrive early and bring all necessary documents for their cases.
Justice of the Peace David P. Gordon was elected the Verde Valley Justice of Peace in 2022. A northern Arizona native, Justice of the Peace Gordon has experience in many legal practice areas, has a background as a private attorney, and was a prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney’s office and an assistant city attorney for the City of Glendale.
All visitors must pass through a Verde Valley Justice Court security checkpoint. Be prepared to have your belongings inspected. Weapons, including guns, are strictly forbidden, even for those with concealed carry permits.
Once through security, visitors must report to the court clerk’s desk to check in, gather information about which courtroom the case will be in, and be directed to the appropriate sitting area.
Once the case begins, the Justice of the Peace will hear your case, which may involve misdemeanors, civil disputes under $10,000, or traffic violations. Follow all instructions given by the Justice of the Peace or court staff.
Bring all relevant documents related to the case, including:
Dress appropriately in clean, conservative attire to show respect to the Justice of the Peace and court staff. Stand when addressing the court unless instructed otherwise and speak clearly when it’s your turn.
Those under 18 must appear with a parent or legal guardian.
When appearing at Verde Valley Justice Court, it is important to understand the steps involved in your case. The procedure depends on the type of charge, the circumstances of the case, and the court’s instructions.
In criminal cases, the arraignment is generally an initial proceeding where the defendant is informed of the charges and advised of their legal rights. The defendant enters a plea as permitted by the court. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the court typically schedules further proceedings.
If the case continues after arraignment, the court may schedule pre-trial hearings to address evidence, legal motions, and possible plea negotiations. The prosecution and defense may review the available evidence and discuss whether the case can be resolved without a trial.
If the case is not resolved beforehand, it may proceed to trial. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense may challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a defense when appropriate. Depending on the type of case, the matter may be decided by a judge or jury.
Review your citation, summons, and other court documents carefully. Attend all scheduled hearings and follow the court’s instructions. If you are facing DUI charges, consulting a defense attorney can help you understand the process, evaluate your options, and prepare for the proceedings.
For court-specific information, contact Verde Valley Justice Court at (928) 639-5820.
Verde Valley DUI charges are serious affairs. An Arizona DUI lawyer knows DUI laws and how the legal system works in Yavapai County and can guide you through the legal process, work to reduce charges, and establish your innocence.
Arresting officers don’t always get it right or always follow procedures. An attorney can investigate a case, examine the facts, and argue against the prosecution’s charges. Finding errors may lead to an attorney getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Avoid talking to anyone about DUI charges after arrest. Do not discuss the case with police officers, prosecuting attorneys, or any party related to the case. An attorney can engage with all parties on your behalf to avoid self-incrimination.
Your Arizona DUI attorney will prepare your case, negotiate a lighter sentence, or establish your innocence. Their ongoing working relationships with the court will likely get a more favorable result if they represent you in court.
At Rosenstein Law Group, we provide aggressive, smart representation in DUI cases in Arizona. Whether you’re maintaining your innocence or want to reduce your sentence, we can help you get the best outcome for your case.
Fill out our online form or call Rosenstein Law Group at 480-248-7666 for a free consultation from an experienced DUI attorney in Verde Valley, Arizona.
The Verde Valley Justice Court is located at 10 South 6th Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Visitors to the Yavapai County complex should follow the signs directing them to the Justice Court, and free parking is available at the courthouse.
Yes. The Verde Valley Justice Court handles DUI cases, misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes under $10,000, and traffic violations. Other Yavapai County Justice Court cases include criminal traffic violations, petty theft, simple assault, shoplifting, vandalism/criminal damage, and preliminary hearings.
All visitors must pass through a security checkpoint and be prepared to have belongings inspected. Weapons, including guns, are strictly forbidden, even for those with concealed carry permits; after security, visitors check in at the court clerk’s desk to learn which courtroom their case is in.
Bring your court summons or citation, any evidence or paperwork for your case, photo ID, and pen and paper. Dress in clean, conservative attire, stand when addressing the court unless instructed otherwise, and note that those under 18 must appear with a parent or legal guardian.
At arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges and rights and enters a plea. Pre-trial hearings may address evidence, motions, and plea negotiations, and if unresolved, the case may go to trial, where the prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt before a judge or jury.