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Initial Appearance

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About the Initial Appearance Hearing

As a victim of a crime, you have the right to attend the Initial Appearance hearing and share with the court a Victim Impact Statement. Use your Impact Statement to describe how this crime affected you and other members of the community.  Your Victim Impact Statement will become a permanent part of the court record; the defendant in your case will receive a copy of the Victim Impact Statement.

To find out more about submitting an Impact Statement, please select Impact Statement on the side menu. 

About Defendants  

A defendant must be seen in front of a magistrate within 24 hours. It is sometimes possible for a defendant to be seen in as quickly as two hours, depending on the court load when being booked into the County Jail.

The City of Phoenix Initial Appearance court does not see all individuals who are arrested and booked by Phoenix Police Department.

It can take between two (2) to fifteen (15) hours from initial arrest, depending on the arresting agency, processing, transport to County Jail, and the Booking Process to show up in our system before an Initial Appearance can be scheduled.

What happens in Initial Appearance Court?

This is the first time a suspect appears in court. An initial appearance for a person in custody must be held within 24 hours of arrest. One of the most important rights a crime victim has is the right to let the court know—at the Initial Appearance, as well as at sentencing—how the crime has affected them and their family.

A Victim Impact Statement helps to ensure the victim’s right to be heard even if they cannot personally appear. This is especially important because a defendant may be released from custody at any court setting.

The charges discussed during the Initial Appearance have not been reviewed and accepted; no formal charges will be filed at this time if the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) does not move forward with the case. It is possible that the case will be sent back to the Investigating Agency for further information or for a change in filing. 

At the County Initial Appearance, four important events take place: 

  1. The suspect is informed of the allegations.

  2. The person is advised of the right to an attorney. If the court finds the person cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed.

  3. Conditions of release are established. This means that the court will determine if the person shall be released on bond or their Own Recognizance, or remain jailed for the safety of the community.

  4. Another court date is set for the next proceeding, usually in a Justice Court or the Superior Court. Release conditions can change at any future court date or when a Motion has been filed.

NOTE: At the City of Phoenix Initial Appearance, it is possible for a plea to be entered and a sentencing to take place. 

Appearing in Court    *Please call 602-876-8276 regarding safe distancing protocols*

 If you wish to appear in court, it is extremely important to arrive a minimum of thirty (30) minutes prior to Court. 

This is necessary to prepare for your appearance.

  • If you are unable to appear or prefer not to appear, your Statement will be given to the Judge and the Prosecutor and has the same impact as you being present in court.

  • Please feel free to have someone attend with you. We want you to feel safe and comfortable.

  • Children are not allowed in the Crime Victim rooms.

The Initial Appearance Court is located at:

2670 S. 28th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85009

Follow the posted signage for Intake, Transfer and Release. Free public parking is available 24 hours a day. Enter the front Main Lobby (glass front with sliding door); Judicial Branch Security will ask some health and safety questions. You will have your temperature taken and must pass through a security screening. You must wear a mask at all times.

Please identify yourself as being a crime victim that is here for IA court.

  • Initial Appearance Court is held every day, including holidays.

  • County Initial Appearance Court times are held every 3 hours (2am, 5am, 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, 11pm)

  • City of Phoenix Initial Appearance Court times are held twice daily at 10am and 4pm

You may choose from five options:  

  1. You do not have to participate.

  2. You may call us back at 602-876-8276 approximately 1-2 hours after the court for an update. 

  3. You may turn in a written Impact Statement at least 30 minutes prior to the start of court.

  4. You may make a Verbal Statement from a protected private room along with turning in the written statement. By making a statement, written or verbal, you must complete the written form for the court record. The Defendant will receive a copy of the statement. (*Pandemic protocols may change process; please call 602-876-8276)

  5. You may watch the court on a monitor in the lobby with/without completing a statement.

**If you have an Order of Protection, it can be served at this time. (AZPOINT)

These cities hold their own Initial Appearances for city charges:

Avondale          Chandler              Glendale          Mesa              Scottsdale        Tempe

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Questions? Call us at 602-876-8276.