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City Court FAQs

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Q: When is my court date?

A: The initial court date and time that you must appear is written on the bottom of your citation. Please note, for parking citations the initial court date and time that you must appear is written on the top right hand side of the citation. If you are unsure, you may call the Surprise City Court at 623. 222.4800.

Q: What if I cannot appear on my court date?

A: If you have been cited for a civil traffic violation, you may pay your fine through the mail or over the phone with a credit card prior to your court date.

If you have been cited for a criminal violation, you may file for an extension. Court date extensions must be requested in writing prior to your court date. Extensions are not automatically granted. If good cause cannot be shown, the extension will not be granted and you will have to appear on your original court date.

Q: When can I see a Judge?

A: Judges are available Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., excluding the lunch hour. It is not always necessary to see a Judge. Surprise City Court staff can answer many questions but they are not allowed to give legal advice, only general information as it pertains to your case.

Q: What should I do if a warrant has been issued for my arrest?

A: You must appear before a judge at which time you may be required to pay a bail/bond before the warrant can be quashed. Warrants can be quashed Monday through Thursday at the Surprise City Court between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., excluding the lunch hour.

Q: Do I have to report a change of address?

A: Yes. If you have any pending cases with the Surprise City Court, it is your responsibility to keep your address current. If you fail to provide the Court with the appropriate contact information, you may not receive proper notification regarding your case in the future. This could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest, or a default judgment entered against you.

Q: What is the difference between the Surprise City Court and the Superior Court in Surprise?

A: There are various courts in the City of Surprise. The address of the court in which you are to appear is written at the bottom of your citation. The Surprise City Court is located at 16081 N. Civic Center Plaza 623.222.4800, and handles cases ranging from minor traffic violations to Class I, II, and III misdemeanors, as well as Protection Orders.

Superior Court: The Northwest Regional Superior Court is located at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise 602.372.9400 and handles civil and contract disputes, small claims, marriage licenses, some landlord/tenant matters, Protection Orders, family court, and probate matters.

Justice of the Peace Courts: The Northwest Regional Court Center is comprised of four justice courts -- Hassayampa, Lake Pleasant, Manistee, and North Valley Justice Courts. The courts are located at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise 602.372.2000. The justice courts hear traffic cases and certain criminal and civil cases, including domestic violence and harassment cases. They can issue search warrants. Their civil jurisdiction is limited to cases involving claims less than $10,000.

Q: Can you tell me if my license has been suspended?

A: If you want to know about your MVD record, you must contact the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles at 602.255.0072.

Q: If I have to pay a fine, when do I need to pay it?

A: All fines/penalties are due on the date they are imposed. If you are unable to pay in full, you may apply for a payment contract and you may be subject to a credit check to determine your ability to pay. If you are granted a payment contract, a one-time fee of $20 will be added to your total fine pursuant to A.R.S. 12-116.

Q: What happens if I do not pay?

A: If you do not pay your financial obligation to the Court, notification may be sent to MVD to place a suspension on your driving privileges (if you are not licensed in Arizona, it may extend to the state in which you are licensed), a hold may be placed on your vehicle registration that will not allow you to renew it, you may be referred to a collection agency (resulting in additional fees), or a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Q: Can I file for divorce at the Surprise City Court?

A: No. If you have any questions regarding a divorce, please contact Maricopa County Superior Court at 602.506.3676.

Q: Can I get a marriage license at the Surprise City Court?

A: No. If you have any questions regarding a marriage license, please call Maricopa County Superior Court at 602.506.3676.