Facing a Felony in Maricopa County Superior Court?

Ted Law | Tempe Criminal Defense Attorney
Call (602) 453-3100 for a Free Consultation

Being charged with a felony in the Maricopa County Superior Court can be overwhelming. However, understanding how the process works may help ease some of the anxiety. Below is an overview of typical procedures for lower-level felonies in Maricopa County. If you still have questions, reach out to an experienced criminal lawyer in Tempe to discuss your situation and legal options.

Maricopa County Superior Court Procedure

Lower-level felony cases in Maricopa County often follow this roadmap:

1. Initial Appearance
   Occurs within 24 hours of an arrest or on a date specified by a summons. During the initial appearance, the court will:
   • Inform you of the charges you’re facing
   • Set release conditions (bail, own recognizance, etc.)

   Having an attorney present at this stage is critical because once the release conditions are set, changing them can be challenging.

2. Regional Court Center (RCC)
   Most cases begin in the RCC (located either downtown Phoenix or in Mesa). At this point:
   • No formal probable cause finding has occurred yet.
   • The standard rules of criminal procedure do not fully apply.
   • Hearings are typically labeled “status conferences” or “non-witness preliminary hearings.”

   Your lawyer may attempt to negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor early on. It’s the policy of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to claim that plea offers won’t improve once you leave the RCC, though they may issue different offers later. Often, subsequent offers are less favorable.

3. Preliminary Hearing / Grand Jury Proceeding
   The State must secure a finding of probable cause to proceed with felony charges. They can:
   • Hold a preliminary hearing where you and your lawyer can attend and cross-examine witnesses.
   • Convene a grand jury in secret, with no right for you to be present.

   In both scenarios, the outcome depends on whether it appears probable that a crime was committed and that you committed it.

4. Arraignment
   Similar to the initial appearance, the court formally presents the charges now established by probable cause (via preliminary hearing or indictment). The court sets upcoming hearing dates. Some cases skip straight to this stage if the State used a grand jury indictment from the start.
5. Initial Pretrial Conference (IPTC)
   The first hearing in front of a commissioner after leaving the RCC. It’s a procedural check to ensure compliance with criminal procedure rules. In some instances, the State might extend a plea offer here.
6. Comprehensive Pretrial Conference (CPC)
   The first hearing in front of the case management judge, aimed at addressing discovery or evidentiary issues. This judge typically guides the case from this point forward.
7. Final Trial Management Conference
   The court confirms whether both parties are ready for trial. Important deadlines hinge on this date.
8. Master Calendar
   On the trial date, the case is assigned to a trial judge. Although the case management judge normally has priority, reassignment can occur if needed.

Additional hearings—such as evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, complex case management conferences, changes of plea, and status conferences—may also arise. Each case is unique, but these steps provide a general structure for Maricopa County felonies.

What to Do If You Are Facing Charges in Maricopa County Superior Court

If you’re dealing with felony charges in Maricopa County, you need aggressive and experienced representation. The consequences of a felony conviction can be severe, affecting every area of your life—from employment to housing. Don’t face this process alone.

At Ted Law, we have extensive experience defending individuals in felony proceedings. We offer free consultations for Maricopa County Superior Court cases.
Call (602) 453-3100 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can work on securing the best possible outcome for your case.