Sedona AZ (February 8, 2011)–The Sedona Municipal Court, also referred to as the Magistrate Court or City Court, is the judicial branch of the Sedona City government. It is also part of the Arizona State Court System and under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. 

The Sedona Municipal Court, like all municipal courts in the state, is a “limited jurisdiction court.”  As this definition implies, its responsibilities have well-defined parameters.

Unaware of this fact, many citizens call or visit the Municipal Court expecting to receive services that it does not provide. To help alleviate this confusion, citizens may find the following City of Sedona Court information helpful:

What is the jurisdiction of the Sedona Municipal Court? Briefly stated, the Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil traffic cases and violations of the Sedona City Code, most of which are class one misdemeanors.  The Court also hears petitions for orders of protection and injunctions against harassment, conducts evidentiary hearings and civil traffic hearings. It also issues search warrants and arrest warrants. 

Criminal cases are tried to either a jury or the judge, depending upon the offense charged. 

Civil traffic hearings are conducted by the judge. If you receive a citation from a police officer, you will also be given an envelope containing a Fine Schedule. It is important that you read the information on this schedule carefully before calling the Court, as this form will explain most of the questions you may have about your charge and what you need to do. 

What the Sedona Municipal Court does not handle:

Felony criminal cases.  Felonies are handled by the Superior Court in either Camp Verde or Flagstaff, depending on whether the offense occurred in Yavapai or Coconino County. 

Family law matters, such as divorces and child custody issues, are also the province of the Superior Courts.

Marriage licenses, although the Municipal Court Judge does perform weddings at the Sedona Court, marriage licenses must first be obtained from any Superior Court.

Small claims suits and landlord-tenant issues, matters handled by the Verde Valley Justice Court in Cottonwood or the Coconino County Justice Court depending upon the county in which you reside.

Defensive driving school (DDS) registration.  If you received a traffic citation for a violation that is eligible for DDS, you must follow the instructions on the bond and fine schedule that was included with the ticket and register directly with an approved school.  State certified defensive driving schools are independent private companies not affiliated with the Court. 

Recovering vehicles impounded by the police. The Court does not have any involvement with impounds. You must contact the police department for information on where and how to retrieve your vehicle.

The Sedona Municipal Court’s objective is to serve each member of the community promptly and with fairness and integrity to the extent of its jurisdiction. 

This week’s SedonaEye.com Eye on Sedona column is written by Magistrate Judge Rodger Overholser. For more information, visit  www.SedonaAZ.gov web site.

New Sedona Times Publishing Balanced News and Views for Sedona Verde Valley and beyond