Goodyear Court Dockets

Goodyear Municipal Court handles all misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic violations that occur within Goodyear city limits in western Maricopa County. The court docket system maintains records for each case from initial filing through final disposition, including charges, scheduled appearances, hearings, and sentencing information that becomes part of the public record. Goodyear Municipal Court is located at 14455 W. Van Buren Street and serves defendants, attorneys, and members of the public who need access to court services or docket information during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The court processes cases ranging from minor traffic tickets to serious misdemeanor charges like DUI and assault.

Goodyear Municipal Court Overview

Goodyear Municipal Court has authority over misdemeanor crimes committed in Goodyear. Common cases include theft under $1,000, shoplifting, assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage, and trespassing. Traffic violations make up a significant portion of the court's caseload. DUI charges, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and speeding tickets all go through Municipal Court. City code violations also appear on the court docket. These include noise complaints, property maintenance issues, and animal control matters.

Each case receives a docket number when charges are filed. The docket tracks everything that happens in the case. It shows the defendant's name and the charges. It lists all court dates. It records what happened at each hearing. When someone pleads guilty, the docket shows the plea and the sentence. When a case goes to trial, the docket shows the trial date and verdict. If charges get dismissed, the docket records the dismissal and reason.

Court staff update the docket after each court session. The updates show what the judge decided, what the next step is, and when the defendant must return to court. Attorneys review the docket to track their client's case. Defendants check the docket to confirm court dates. The public can access docket information by contacting the court clerk's office. Most dockets are public records unless the case involves confidential matters.

How Court Dockets Work

A court docket is the official record of a case. It starts when charges are filed. The first docket entry shows the defendant's name, the charges, and the filing date. As the case proceeds, new entries get added. Each court appearance gets recorded on the docket. The docket shows the date and what happened in court. If the defendant enters a plea, that goes on the docket. If the case gets continued to another date, that shows up too.

Motion entries appear when attorneys file legal papers. The docket shows when the motion was filed and how the judge ruled on it. Plea entries record plea agreements. The docket shows what charges the defendant pleaded to and what sentence the court imposed. Trial entries list the trial date and verdict. Sentencing entries show the punishment ordered by the court, which might include fines, jail time, probation, community service, or mandatory classes. Closing entries mark when the case ends after the defendant completes the sentence or when charges are dismissed.

You can get docket information by visiting the courthouse or calling the court. The clerk's office can look up cases by name or case number. They can provide basic docket information over the phone or print docket sheets if you visit in person. There is a fee for printed copies. Standard copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost more and include an official court seal.

Types of Cases in Municipal Court

Municipal Court handles Class 1, 2, and 3 misdemeanors that occur in Goodyear. Class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious and include DUI, assault, theft, and domestic violence. The maximum penalty is six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Class 2 misdemeanors include criminal trespass and reckless driving. The maximum penalty is four months in jail and a $750 fine. Class 3 misdemeanors include disorderly conduct and some traffic violations. The maximum penalty is 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Traffic cases include criminal traffic offenses and civil traffic violations. Criminal traffic offenses like DUI and reckless driving require court appearances. Civil traffic violations like speeding tickets can often be resolved by paying a fine without going to court. If you contest a civil traffic violation, you must appear at a hearing. The judge hears your case and decides whether to uphold the citation or dismiss it. The docket tracks all proceedings for both criminal and civil traffic cases.

City code violations go through Municipal Court when someone violates a Goodyear city ordinance. These can include zoning violations, property maintenance issues, noise complaints, and animal control matters. The court can impose fines and order corrective action. The docket shows the violation, what the court ordered, and whether the defendant complied with the court's requirements.

Maricopa County Court System

Goodyear is in Maricopa County. Municipal Court handles misdemeanors in Goodyear. Maricopa County Superior Court handles felonies, large civil cases, family law, and probate. If a misdemeanor case gets charged as a felony, the case transfers to Superior Court. The Municipal Court docket will show the transfer. A new docket starts in Superior Court with a different case number.

Felony crimes like burglary, aggravated assault, theft over $1,000, and drug offenses go straight to Superior Court. They do not appear in Municipal Court records. Superior Court uses its own docket system at superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket. Maricopa County also operates 26 Justice Courts that handle misdemeanors outside city limits and small claims cases. Justice Courts have their own case search portal at justicecourts.maricopa.gov. You need to search the appropriate court system based on where the case was filed and what type of case it is.

Court Location and Contact

Goodyear Municipal Court is at 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite B-101, Goodyear, AZ 85338. The court is in west Goodyear with parking available on site. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is 623-882-7200. Call with questions about court dates, payments, or court procedures.

Walk-in services include filing documents, making payments, and speaking with court staff about your case. Bring valid identification when you visit. The clerk's office can answer procedural questions and process payments. They cannot give legal advice. If you need legal representation, contact a private attorney or ask about public defender services if you qualify based on income.

Payments can be made in person at the courthouse. The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. For copies of court documents, submit a request to the clerk's office. Include the case number and describe which documents you need. Processing time depends on how complex the request is and how busy the clerk's office is when you submit it. Simple requests may be ready within a few days. More complex requests take longer.

Other Municipal Courts Nearby

Other cities in Maricopa County with municipal courts include Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, and Buckeye. Each court operates independently with its own docket system. Cases filed in one city remain in that city's court. You must search the appropriate city court based on where the alleged offense occurred.