Coconino County Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Coconino County. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Coconino County.
Appealing a Criminal Conviciton
A defendant may appeal a criminal conviction to an appellate court. In an appeal, the actual trial is not redone, but the appellate court hears arguments that the criminal case was not handled in a legal manner at the original criminal court. The appellate court can either uphold the conviction, or determine that errors were made and may request a retrial, a resentencing of the defendant or that the charges be dismissed.
The Right to Trial by Jury
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.
Coconino County Criminal Court
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Mandatory Appearances in Coconino County Criminal Court
At a mandatory or required court appearance in Coconino County, the defendant must appear before the court. In the event of a “Failure to Appear” the judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. Note: not all criminal hearings are mandatory, in a non-mandatory hearing an attorney may appear on your behalf without you being in court.
Coconino County Prosecutor
For criminal cases in Coconino County, the prosecutor will be a representative of Coconino County. The Coconino County prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Who can help me in Coconino County?
For general information about your case the Coconino County court clerk will be able to provide legal information about your specific criminal case. Legal information is not legal advice though, the court clerk will only be able to provide information about your case, like date/time of hearings what will occur at the hearing and what you may be required to do in the hearing. They cannot provide advice about what you should do or what the best legal options may be for your particular case. Only an attorney can provide legal advice and this is your best place for information about your specific criminal proceeding. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to represent you, this is most often a public defender.
Coconino County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Coconino County will take place at the Coconino County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Coconino County Criminal Court Locations.
What is Jury Deliberation?
After both the prosecution and defense have presented their cases, the judge in the case will provide instructions to the jury about what they must decide. The jury will be dismissed to the jury room where they will deliberate about the guilt or innocence of the defendant. After reaching a unaminous decision, they return their decision to the court where it is read aloud in the courtroom. If the jury is unable to reach a unaminous decision, the jury is deadlocked, also known as a hung jury, in which a mistrial will be declared.
Sentencing in Coconino County
In Coconino County if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
What is a Plea Agreement?
A plea agreement is a deal made between the prosecution and the defendant in a case, where the defendant agrees to plea guilty to a particular charge in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor. In practice, more than 90% of criminal cases end with a plea agreement.
Arraignments in Coconino County
During an arraignment in Coconino County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Coconino County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Coconino County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Coconino County Criminal Court Locations
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Coconino County Superior Court
Address: 200 North San Francisco Street, Flagstaff AZ 86001
Phone: 928-679-7600 -
Coconino County Superior Court – Juvenile Division
Address: 1001 East Sawmill Road, Flagstaff AZ 86001
Phone: 928-226-5400 Fax: 928-226-5454 -
Coconino County Superior Court – Page Juvenile Division
Address: 549 South Navajo, PO Box 579, Page AZ 86040
Phone: 928-645-3368 Fax: 928-645-2968 -
Flagstaff Justice Court
Address: 200 North San Francisco Street, Flagstaff AZ 86001
Phone: 928-679-7650 -
Fredonia Justice Court
Address: 112 North Main Street, PO Box 559, Fredonia AZ 86022
Phone: 928-643-7472 -
Page Justice Court
Address: 547 Vista Avenue, PO Box 1565, Page AZ 86040
Phone: 928-645-8871 -
Williams Justice Court
Address: 700 West Railroad Avenue, Williams AZ 86046
Phone: 928-679-7698 -
Flagstaff Municipal Court
Address: 15 North Beaver Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-774-1401 -
Fredonia Municipal Court
Address: 25 North Main Street, Fredonia AZ 86022
Phone: 928-643-7241 -
Page Municipal Court
Address: 547 Vista Avenue, Page AZ 86040
Phone: 928-645-4280 -
Sedona Municipal Court
Address: 102 Roadrunner Drive, Sedona AZ 86336
Phone: 928-282-1189 Fax: 928-204-7151 -
Williams Municipal Court
Address: 700 West Railroad Avenue, Williams AZ 86046
Phone: 928-635-4456