Pima County Court Records

What Is Pima County Court Records

Court records in Pima County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions made by courts operating within Pima County, Arizona. Pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, court records include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets detailing chronological case activities
• Judgments, orders, and decrees issued by judicial officers
• Transcripts of court proceedings and hearings
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate and estate documentation

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by other government agencies. The Arizona Public Records Law, codified in A.R.S. § 39-121, establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection.

In Pima County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:

• Arizona Superior Court in Pima County (general jurisdiction)
• Pima County Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
• Tucson Municipal Court and other city courts
• Pima County Juvenile Court
• Pima County Probate Court
• Pima County Family Court

These courts collectively handle civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters, generating thousands of court records annually that document the administration of justice within the county.

Are Court Records Public In Pima County

Court records in Pima County are presumptively public under Arizona law. The Arizona Constitution and state statutes establish a strong presumption of public access to court records. According to A.R.S. § 39-121, "Public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours."

The Arizona Supreme Court has further defined public access to court records through Rule 123 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, which states that court records are presumed to be open to the public unless specifically exempted by statute, rule, or court order.

Records generally available for public inspection include:

• Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
• Criminal case files (post-charging documents)
• Judgments and final orders
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate records

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

• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Records sealed by court order
• Documents containing sensitive personal information
• Grand jury proceedings
• Certain domestic violence and family court records

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 rules rather than state laws, though they generally maintain similar public access principles.

The Arizona Judicial Branch maintains specific policies regarding record access, including procedures for requesting restricted records and filing motions to seal otherwise public documents.

How To Find Court Records in Pima County in 2026

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

Online Access:

• Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Case Information portal
• Search by case number, party name, or attorney
• Access docket information, case status, and some document images
• Note that certain document types may not be available online

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
• Provide case number or party names to the clerk
• Request to view physical case files or obtain copies
• Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies)

Written Requests:

• Submit a written request to the Clerk of the Superior Court or appropriate court clerk
• Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
• Include payment for copy fees

For Superior Court Records:

Pima County Superior Court Clerk's Office
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Superior Court

For Justice Court Records: Contact the specific justice court where the case was filed. Pima County has multiple justice court precincts.

For Municipal Court Records:

Tucson City Court
103 E. Alameda Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-791-4216
Tucson City Court

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing
• Type of case
• Specific documents needed

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-284, the clerk may charge reasonable fees for copies, certification, and research services. Currently, certified copies cost $30.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.

How To Look Up Court Records in Pima County Online?

Pima County offers several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient access to case information without requiring a visit to the courthouse. The primary online portals include:

Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access:

• The Public Access Case Lookup system provides access to Superior Court and Justice Court cases
• Users may search by case number, party name, or attorney
• The system displays case type, filing date, party information, and docket entries
• Some document images may be available for viewing
• No subscription or fee is required for basic case information

Pima County Superior Court:

• The Superior Court case search allows access to civil, criminal, family, and probate cases
• Search options include case number, party name, and filing date ranges
• Results show case status, scheduled hearings, and document listings
• Document images may require in-person requests or fees

Pima County Justice Courts:

• Access Justice Court case information through the dedicated portal
• Search by case number, citation number, or party name
• View case status, hearing dates, and judgment information
• Limited to cases filed in Pima County Justice Courts

Tucson Municipal Court:

• The Tucson City Court portal provides access to city ordinance violations and misdemeanors
• Search by case number, citation number, or defendant name
• View case status, scheduled court dates, and fine information

When using these online systems, users should note:

• Not all document types are available online due to privacy restrictions
• Older cases may have limited information or may not be included in electronic systems
• Sensitive case types (juvenile, mental health, etc.) are generally restricted
• Document images may require additional fees or in-person requests
• System maintenance may occasionally limit availability

For technical assistance with online court record systems, contact:

Arizona Judicial Branch Technical Support
602-452-3519
Arizona Judicial Branch

How To Search Pima County Court Records for Free?

Pima County residents and members of the public have several options to access court records without incurring fees. Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 39-121, guarantees the right to inspect public records during regular business hours without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
• Request to view case files of interest
• Examine documents on-site without charge
• Take notes or use personal devices to capture information (subject to court rules)

Free Online Resources:

• The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access portal provides free basic case information
• Pima County Superior Court case search offers free access to case status and docket information
• Pima County Justice Courts provide free online access to basic case details
• Case Information portal for Justice Court Green Valley offers free case lookup

Public Access Terminals:

• Free computer terminals are available at courthouse locations
• These terminals may provide enhanced access compared to public websites
• No fees for searching or viewing available information
• Located in clerk's offices and law libraries

Law Libraries:

• The Pima County Law Library offers free access to court records
• Staff can assist with navigating record systems
• Additional legal research resources available

Pima County Law Library
110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8456
Pima County Law Library

While basic access is free, fees may still apply for:

• Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
• Certified copies ($30.00 for first page, $0.50 each additional page)
• Research assistance requiring staff time (varies by court)
• Document delivery or mailing services
• Access to certain specialized databases

Pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123(f)(3), courts must provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities who require assistance accessing court records.

What's Included in a Pima County Court Record?

Pima County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints, petitions, or indictments that commence legal action
• Summonses and service of process documentation
• Initial appearances and arraignment records
• Filing fee receipts and case assignment information

Pleadings and Motions:

• Answers and responses to complaints
• Motions filed by parties and corresponding responses
• Briefs and memoranda of law
• Affidavits and declarations under penalty of perjury

Court Orders and Decisions:

• Minute entries documenting court proceedings
• Temporary orders and preliminary injunctions
• Final judgments and decrees
• Sentencing orders in criminal cases
• Child support and custody orders in family cases

Evidence and Exhibits:

• Documentary evidence admitted during hearings or trials
• Transcripts of testimony
• Expert witness reports
• Photographic or physical evidence logs
• Deposition transcripts filed with the court

Case Management Documents:

• Docket sheets listing chronological case activities
• Scheduling orders and hearing notices
• Certificates of service
• Attorney appearances and withdrawals
• Jury selection records (in applicable cases)

Post-Judgment Materials:

• Satisfaction of judgment notices
• Appeals documentation
• Enforcement proceedings
• Modification requests
• Probation reports in criminal matters

Administrative Records:

• Case assignment information
• Judge recusal or reassignment documentation
• Fee waiver applications and determinations
• Interpreter requests and accommodations

In accordance with Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123(c)(3), certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children
• Dates of birth
• Home addresses in certain case types

The completeness of court records may vary based on case age, with older cases potentially having more limited documentation available in electronic format.

How Long Does Pima County Keep Court Records?

Pima County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Arizona Supreme Court. These schedules, authorized under A.R.S. § 12-284, specify how long different types of court records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.

Superior Court Records:

• Felony case files: 75 years from final disposition
• Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
• Civil case files: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic relations cases: 75 years from final judgment
• Probate cases: 25 years after case closure
• Mental health proceedings: 25 years after case closure
• Juvenile delinquency records: Until the individual's 25th birthday
• Juvenile dependency records: 25 years after case closure
• Court indexes and registers of actions: Permanent retention

Justice Court Records:

• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Civil cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
• Small claims: 3 years after final disposition
• Eviction actions: 5 years after final disposition
• Orders of protection: 5 years after expiration

Municipal Court Records:

• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Civil traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
• Parking violations: 1 year after final disposition
• City ordinance violations: 3 years after final disposition

The Arizona Supreme Court's Record Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on retention periods. After the retention period expires, records may be:

• Destroyed according to approved procedures
• Transferred to the Arizona State Archives
• Preserved in microfilm or electronic format
• Maintained longer at the court's discretion

Certain historically significant cases may be designated for permanent preservation regardless of standard retention periods. Additionally, the Administrative Office of the Courts may issue special directives for preserving records related to significant legal or historical events.

Individuals seeking older records should contact the specific court to determine if the records still exist and in what format they may be available.

Types of Courts In Pima County

Pima County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdictions and authority. The following courts operate within the county:

Arizona Superior Court in Pima County
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Superior Court in Pima County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Superior Court is Pima County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felonies, civil cases over $10,000, family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases. The court comprises 53 judicial officers including judges, commissioners, and pro tem judges.

Pima County Justice Courts
Each justice court serves a specific precinct within the county:

Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3171
Pima County Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Green Valley Justice Court
601 N. La Cañada Drive
Green Valley, AZ 85614
520-222-0200
Green Valley 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 in felony cases.

Municipal Courts

Tucson City Court
103 E. Alameda Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-791-4216
Tucson City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Oro Valley Magistrate Court
11000 N. La Cañada Drive
Oro Valley, AZ 85737
520-229-4780
Oro Valley Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Marana Municipal Court
11555 W. Civic Center Drive
Marana, AZ 85653
520-382-2700
Marana Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within city limits.

Pima County Juvenile Court
2225 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
520-724-2000
Pima County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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

What Types of Cases Do Pima County Courts Hear?

Pima County's court system handles a diverse range of legal matters, with each court type addressing specific categories of cases according to jurisdictional limits established by Arizona law.

Superior Court Cases:

• Felony criminal prosecutions (all classes)
• Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
• Family law matters (divorce, child custody, support, paternity)
• Probate and estate administration
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings
• Mental health commitments
• Tax appeals
• Complex civil litigation
• Administrative agency appeals
• Real property disputes
• Name changes and adoptions

Justice Court Cases:

• Civil lawsuits with claims up to $10,000
• Small claims actions up to $3,500
• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment
• Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Civil and criminal traffic matters
• Fish and game violations
• Restitution hearings

Municipal Court Cases:

• City ordinance violations
• Misdemeanor criminal offenses occurring within city limits
• Civil and criminal traffic violations within city boundaries
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement matters
• First appearance hearings
• Arraignments
• Protective orders in domestic violence cases

Juvenile Court Cases:

• Delinquency proceedings for minors
• Dependency cases involving child abuse or neglect
• Adoptions
• Severance of parental rights
• Guardianships of minors
• Truancy matters
• Juvenile traffic offenses
• Emancipation of minors

Case assignment within the Superior Court is managed through specialized divisions, including:

• Criminal Division
• Civil Division
• Family Law Division
• Probate Division
• Juvenile Division

According to the Superior & Justice Courts information page, the Arizona Superior Court in Pima County processes thousands of cases annually across these various categories, with specialized judges assigned to each division to ensure appropriate expertise in the relevant area of law.

How To Find a Court Docket In Pima County

Court dockets in Pima County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including hearings, filings, and judicial decisions. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

• The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access portal provides docket information for Superior and Justice Court cases
• Search by case number, party name, or attorney name
• View chronological listing of case events, filings, and scheduled hearings
• Access is available 24/7 for public cases

Superior Court Dockets:

• Visit the Superior Court case search for docket information
• Search options include case number, party name, or filing date range
• Results show complete docket entries and scheduled court dates
• Updated daily with new filings and court actions

Justice Court Dockets:

• Access Justice Court case information through their dedicated portal
• Search by case number, citation number, or party name
• View docket entries showing case progression
• Check upcoming hearing schedules

In-Person Docket Access:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
• Request docket information for specific cases
• Use public access terminals for enhanced search capabilities
• Obtain printed docket reports for a nominal fee

Court Calendar Information:

• Daily court calendars showing scheduled hearings are available at courthouse locations
• Some courts post daily calendars online or in public areas of the courthouse
• Calendars typically list case numbers, party names, hearing types, and assigned courtrooms

For specialized assistance with docket research:

Pima County Law Library
110 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8456
Pima County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

When searching for docket information, be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate date of case filing
• Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)

Pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, docket information for most cases is public record, though certain sensitive case types may have restricted access.

Which Courts in Pima County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Pima County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under Arizona law. According to A.R.S. § 22-201, courts not of record do not routinely create or preserve word-for-word transcripts of hearings and trials.

Justice Courts: All Pima County Justice Courts are classified as courts not of record, including:

• Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
• Green Valley Justice Court
• Ajo Justice Court

Municipal Courts: Municipal courts throughout Pima County are also courts not of record:

• Tucson City Court
• Oro Valley Magistrate Court
• Marana Municipal Court
• South Tucson Municipal Court
• Sahuarita Municipal Court

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record has several important implications:

• Appeals from courts not of record proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in the Superior Court rather than reviews of the record
• No official transcript exists for proceedings unless specially arranged by a party
• Audio recordings may be made for administrative purposes but are not official transcripts
• Parties wishing to preserve a verbatim record must arrange for a court reporter at their own expense
• The absence of an official record may affect certain appellate rights

In contrast, the Pima County Superior Court is a court of record, maintaining official verbatim records of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. These records become part of the official case file and can be transcribed for appeals or other purposes.

The classification of courts as "not of record" is established by the Arizona Constitution and state statutes, with A.R.S. § 22-201 specifically addressing Justice Courts and A.R.S. § 22-402 addressing Municipal Courts.

Lookup Court Records in Pima County

Public Access Case Lookup

Superior & Justice Courts information

Case Information for Justice Court Green Valley

Arizona Judicial Branch