If you have been arrested in Prescott, Camp Verde, or any other city/town in Yavapai County, your case will likely end up in the Yavapai Superior Court. The Yavapai County Superior Court has original jurisdiction over felony offenses but can prosecute misdemeanors as well.
If you have been charged with a DUI or criminal offense in Yavapai County, you need help now. A charge is not the same as a conviction, so it’s crucial to get started on your defense as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly experienced Yavapai County and Tempe DUI Defense Lawyers and to protect your rights. Call (480) 248-7666 now.
Going to court can feel stressful, and it’s more uncomfortable if you don’t know what to expect. If you’re involved with the court system in Yavapai County, here’s what you want to consider, so you can attend your court date with confidence.
The Yavapai Superior Court has two locations which are located at:
Yavapai County Superior Courthouse
120 South Cortez Street
Prescott, AZ 86303
For Case Information: (928) 771-3312
Superior Court – Camp Verde
2840 North Commonwealth Drive
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
For Case Information: (928) 567-7741
The cases that are heard in the Yavapai County Superior Court include:
A criminal case that is heard in the Yavapai County Superior Court will generally proceed as follows:
This is the first time a defendant will be required to appear in court. If a defendant is in custody, this is conducted within 24 hours. If a defendant is not in custody, they will be sent a document with the date and time of the initial appearance. This is known as a summons.
At this appearance, the defendant is advised of the formal charges against them and their right to a defense and an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, an attorney will be appointed for them at this appearance. The judge will also set the conditions for release from jail as well as a new court date for the next hearing.
Once a defendant’s bond is set at the initial appearance, the defendant’s release is conditioned upon the terms of that bond.
A status conference is a meeting at court. This is an opportunity for a defendant’s defense lawyer and the prosecutor to resolve the case. If agreement is reached during this conference, a sentencing hearing is scheduled in which the judge will consider the matter. If no agreement is reached, the court will schedule a preliminary hearing.
A preliminary hearing is also known as a probable cause hearing. At this time, the prosecutor presents evidence to the court to prove they have probable cause to proceed on the charges. The judge may either dismiss the case for insufficient evidence or order a trial
At this point, your case may be “scratched” or temporarily dismissed. This only applies to felony charges. If a case has been scratched, it may still be filed in the future. The state has seven years to file a case for a felony charge, so it is important to know that if your case is scratched, that does not mean it is going away for good.
The grand jury, comprised of 16 jurors, is another method for initiating charges. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists based on evidence presented by the prosecutor. If the grand jury decides there is probable cause, a defendant will receive a grand jury indictment.
An arraignment is the defendant’s opportunity to enter a plea to the charges. If the defendant enters a “not guilty” plea, a court date will be set. If the defendant enters a “guilty” plea, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled.
If a criminal case goes to trial, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. Superior Court juries have eight or twelve jurors depending on the charges. A verdict must be unanimous, or a mistral can be declared, and the case could be retried.
If the defendant and prosecutor agree to a bench trial, no jury will participate, and the judge will determine the verdict.
If the defendant receives a not guilty verdict, the charges are dismissed, and the defendant cannot be retried on the same charge.
If the defendant receives a guilty verdict, they face a range of possible sentences. The judge will set a sentencing date, where both the defense and prosecution may present evidence to help the judge determine an appropriate sentence.
When facing DUI or criminal charges in Yavapai County, it is important to take action immediately. If you or a loved one is arrested and face prosecution in Yavapai County Superior Court and are trying to find your way through the criminal process, call the DUI and Criminal Law Specialists now at Rosenstein Law Group. We are available 24/7 by calling (480) 248-7666 or you can contact our firm online.
