Pinal County Public Records /Pinal County Court Records

Pinal County Court Records

What Is Pinal County Court Records

Court records in Pinal County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121, these records are maintained as part of the public record and document the activities of the judicial branch of government. Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate filings and estate inventories

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, or tax assessments, which are typically maintained by county recorder offices or vital statistics departments rather than the court system.

In Pinal County, court records are maintained by several courts within the county's judicial system:

Pinal County Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
Pinal County Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
Municipal Courts (city violations)
Juvenile Court (part of Superior Court)
Probate Court (part of Superior Court)
Family Court (part of Superior Court)

These courts collectively handle civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims cases. The Pinal County court system maintains these records according to established retention schedules and accessibility protocols.

Are Court Records Public In Pinal County

Court records in Pinal County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Arizona's Public Records Law, specifically Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121 through § 39-128, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to public inspection. Additionally, the Arizona Supreme Court has established Rule 123 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, which specifically governs public access to court records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Sealed records pursuant to court order
Adoption proceedings
Mental health proceedings
Certain family court matters involving minors
Grand jury proceedings
Records containing sensitive personal information

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona are governed by federal access rules rather than state laws, though they are similarly presumed to be public with certain exceptions.

Pinal County complies with the provisions of Title 39 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, also known as the Public Records Act, which establishes the framework for public access to government records, including court documents.

How To Find Court Records in Pinal County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Pinal County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Identify the specific court where the case was filed
Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form providing case information
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies)
Wait for records to be retrieved and copied by court staff

Mail Requests:

Download and complete the Request for Court Records Form
Include case information (case number, party names, filing date)
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include payment for estimated copy fees
Mail the request to the appropriate court clerk's office

Online Requests:

Visit the Pinal County Clerk of Superior Court website
Navigate to the "Request Copies of Court Records" section
Complete the electronic request form
Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure payment portal
Receive documents via email or postal mail as specified

For Superior Court records, contact:

Pinal County Clerk of the Superior Court
971 Jason Lopez Circle, Building A
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 509-3555
Pinal County Clerk of Superior Court

For Justice Court records, contact the specific justice court where the case was filed. Pinal County currently has eight justice court precincts.

How To Look Up Court Records in Pinal County Online?

Pinal County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and offer different levels of information access:

Superior Court Records:

Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Case Information
Select "Pinal County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
Review case information, including parties, charges, and event history
Note that document images are not available through this portal

Justice Court Records:

Access the Pinal County Justice Courts case lookup
Select the appropriate justice court precinct
Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
View basic case information and scheduled hearings
Contact the specific justice court for document copies

Municipal Court Records: Each municipality within Pinal County maintains its own records system. Major cities like Casa Grande, Apache Junction, and Maricopa offer online portals through their respective websites.

Specialized Case Types:

For criminal history information: Arizona Department of Public Safety
For traffic citations: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
For probate matters: Pinal County Superior Court Probate Division

The Pinal County Superior Court's electronic records system provides the most comprehensive online access, though complete case files typically require formal requests through the clerk's office.

How To Search Pinal County Court Records for Free?

Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 39-121, guarantees the public's right to inspect public records during regular office hours at no charge. In accordance with this statute, Pinal County provides several options for free court record searches:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
No fee is charged for viewing records, though printing or copying incurs fees
Self-service computer terminals are available at the Superior Court Clerk's Office

Free Online Search Options:

Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access portal - Provides free case information lookup (no document images)
Pinal County Justice Courts case search - Offers free basic case information
Pinal County Superior Court calendar - Provides free access to upcoming hearing schedules

While basic case information is available at no cost, fees apply for:

Printed or electronic copies of documents ($0.50 per page)
Certified copies of court records ($30.00 per document)
Research assistance for cases without specific case numbers ($30.00 per name)
Expedited processing fees

The Pinal County Clerk of Superior Court maintains a complete fee schedule for record retrieval services.

What's Included in a Pinal County Court Record?

Pinal County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits and evidence admitted
Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment filings

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (indictment or information)
Arrest warrant or summons
Defendant's plea
Pretrial motions and responses
Evidence logs and exhibits
Court orders regarding evidence or procedure
Sentencing documents
Probation terms and conditions
Appeal notices

Family Court Records:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial affidavits
Property division agreements
Domestic violence orders of protection
Paternity determinations

Probate Records:

Will (if applicable)
Petition for probate
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Executor/administrator appointments
Distribution orders
Estate closing documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. Pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records.

How Long Does Pinal County Keep Court Records?

Pinal County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Arizona Supreme Court under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-284, which governs the duties of the clerk of the superior court regarding record preservation. The retention periods vary by case type and document category:

Superior Court Records:

Felony case files: 75 years after case disposition
Civil case files: 10 years after case disposition
Domestic relations cases: 75 years after case disposition
Probate cases: 25 years after estate closing
Juvenile cases: Until the individual's 25th birthday, then transferred to archives
Mental health proceedings: 25 years after case disposition
Adoption records: Permanently maintained

Justice Court Records:

Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
Civil cases: 5 years after disposition
Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
Small claims: 3 years after disposition

Historical Records:

Cases of historical significance: Permanently preserved
Cases establishing precedent: Permanently preserved
Records prior to 1960: Maintained in county archives

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures. However, certain records, particularly those with historical significance or permanent retention requirements, are transferred to the Arizona State Archives for long-term preservation.

The Arizona Judicial Branch's records retention schedule provides comprehensive guidance on the maintenance and eventual disposition of all court records.

Types of Courts In Pinal County

Pinal County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:

Pinal County Superior Court
971 Jason Lopez Circle, Building A
Florence, AZ 85132
(520) 509-3555
Pinal County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Superior Court is Pinal County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, family law, probate, and juvenile cases. It serves as the trial court for most significant legal matters and appeals from limited jurisdiction courts.

Pinal County Justice Courts
Pinal County operates eight Justice Court precincts:

Apache Junction Justice Court
575 N. Idaho Road, Suite 200
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
(480) 982-2921
Apache Junction Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Casa Grande Justice Court
820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Suite B
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
(520) 836-5471
Casa Grande Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Justice Courts handle civil cases under $10,000, small claims up to $3,500, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Municipal Courts
Each incorporated city or town in Pinal County maintains its own Municipal Court, including:

Casa Grande Municipal Court
510 E. Florence Boulevard
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
(520) 421-8600
Casa Grande Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Apache Junction Municipal Court
300 E. Superstition Boulevard
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
(480) 982-8250
Apache Junction Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal Courts handle city code violations, misdemeanors committed within city limits, and traffic violations.

The court hierarchy in Arizona proceeds from limited jurisdiction courts (Municipal and Justice Courts) to the Superior Court, then to the Arizona Court of Appeals, and finally to the Arizona Supreme Court as the court of last resort.

What Types of Cases Do Pinal County Courts Hear?

Pinal County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among the various court types:

Superior Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000
Divorce and family law matters
Child custody and support proceedings
Probate and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Juvenile delinquency and dependency
Mental health commitments
Tax appeals
Complex commercial litigation
Real property disputes
Appeals from limited jurisdiction courts

Justice Court Cases:

Civil lawsuits up to $10,000
Small claims up to $3,500
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment
Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Civil traffic violations
Animal control violations
Weddings and marriage ceremonies

Municipal Court Cases:

City code violations
Misdemeanors committed within city limits
Traffic violations within city boundaries
Parking infractions
Noise complaints
Public nuisance violations
Animal control violations within city limits
Curfew violations
Local ordinance infractions

The Pinal County Superior Court handles the most serious criminal matters and complex civil litigation, while the Justice Courts and Municipal Courts manage less severe offenses and smaller civil disputes. This tiered approach ensures that cases are heard in the appropriate forum based on their severity, complexity, and the amount in controversy.

How To Find a Court Docket In Pinal County

Court dockets in Pinal County, which provide chronological listings of all case events and scheduled hearings, can be accessed through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access portal
Select "Pinal County" from the jurisdiction menu
Enter case number or party name in the search fields
View the register of actions showing all docket entries
Check upcoming hearing dates and times

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court
Request to view the docket for a specific case
Provide case number or party names to court staff
Use public access terminals to view electronic dockets
Request printed docket sheets for a nominal fee

Hearing Calendars:

Access the Pinal County Superior Court website
Navigate to the court calendars section
Select the specific judge or courtroom
View daily or weekly hearing schedules
Note that calendars typically show only upcoming hearings, not complete case histories

For Justice Court dockets, contact the specific precinct directly or visit the Pinal County Justice Courts website to access their case information systems.

Municipal Court dockets must be accessed through each city's individual court system, as these records are not integrated with the county's information systems.

Court dockets are updated continuously as new filings are processed and hearings are scheduled, providing real-time information about case status and upcoming court events.

Which Courts in Pinal County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pinal County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under Arizona Revised Statutes § 22-201. This distinction affects how appeals are handled and the nature of review by higher courts.

The following Pinal County courts are not courts of record:

Justice Courts: All eight Justice Court precincts in Pinal County are courts not of record, including:

Apache Junction Justice Court
Casa Grande Justice Court
Eloy Justice Court
Florence/Coolidge Justice Court
Maricopa/Stanfield Justice Court
Mammoth/San Manuel Justice Court
Oracle/Saddlebrooke Justice Court
Superior Justice Court

Municipal Courts: All Municipal Courts within Pinal County cities and towns are courts not of record, including:

Apache Junction Municipal Court
Casa Grande Municipal Court
Coolidge Municipal Court
Eloy Municipal Court
Florence Municipal Court
Kearny Municipal Court
Mammoth Municipal Court
Maricopa Municipal Court
Superior Municipal Court

As courts not of record, these tribunals do not create official transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by a party. When cases from these courts are appealed, they receive a completely new trial (trial de novo) in the Superior Court rather than a review of the record. This means that cases decided in the Pinal County Justice Court can be appealed to the Pinal County Superior Court, with the exception of Small Claims cases, which generally cannot be appealed.

In contrast, the Pinal County Superior Court is a court of record, maintaining verbatim transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters or electronic recording systems. Appeals from Superior Court go to the Arizona Court of Appeals and involve review of the existing record rather than a new trial.