Find Graham County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Graham County originate from citations issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Graham County Sheriff's Office, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the county. The Graham County Justice Court handles all traffic violations that occur outside city limits, including those on U.S. Route 70, State Route 191, and other county roads. Cases filed in Graham County include civil traffic citations for speeding and moving violations as well as criminal traffic matters for more serious offenses. You can search for your case by contacting the Justice Court directly or checking online systems that connect to Arizona court databases. Records are kept for several years after case closure, though retention periods vary by case type.
Graham County Traffic Court Quick Facts
Graham County Justice Court
The Graham County Justice Court is at 800 W. Main Street in Safford, AZ 85546. This is the only Justice Court precinct in Graham County. All traffic tickets from county roads and state highways go here unless they were issued inside a city with its own court.
The court is open Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 6 PM. Fridays are not work days. Weekends and holidays are closed. You can call (928) 428-1210 for case questions. Staff can tell you if your case is on file, what you owe, and when your court date is scheduled. They cannot give legal advice, but they can explain how to get copies of documents or make payments.
The Graham County Justice Court website provides information about court hours, phone numbers, and general procedures. The site covers civil matters, criminal cases, and traffic violations. Most traffic cases fall under civil traffic unless the offense is criminal in nature.
Search Traffic Cases
Graham County does not run its own online case search. You can use the statewide Arizona Courts Public Access system to search for cases in Graham County Justice Court. The database covers many Arizona courts and allows you to search by name or case number.
Enter your first and last name exactly as it appears on your ID. The system shows cases from courts across the state, so check that the result is from Graham County. Case numbers, charges, and filing dates appear in search results. Some new cases take a few days to show up after filing. If you cannot find your case online, call the court directly at (928) 428-1210. Clerks can search their system and tell you the status.
The eAccess system at eaccess.azcourts.gov also provides access to court records for many Arizona counties. Check both systems if one does not return results. Not all courts upload data at the same time, so there may be delays.
Pay Traffic Fines
You can pay traffic fines in Graham County by mail, in person, or through online payment systems. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person payments. Credit cards may be accepted, though processing fees often apply.
Online payment is available through AZ Court Pay, a statewide system that handles payments for courts across Arizona. You need your case number to use the system. A convenience fee is charged for credit card transactions. This fee goes to the payment processor, not the court.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the court to ask about payment plans. A time payment fee may apply under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-116. That statute allows courts to charge a $20 fee for setting up installment payments. Not all cases qualify for payment plans. Criminal traffic charges may have different rules than civil citations.
Mailing a payment requires sending a check or money order to the court address at 800 W. Main Street, Safford, AZ 85546. Include your case number on the memo line. Mailed payments take longer to process than online or in-person payments. Allow at least a week for the court to receive and post your payment.
Note: Do not ignore your citation, as failure to respond can result in license suspension and additional fees.
Get Copies of Court Records
To request copies of traffic court records in Graham County, contact the Justice Court clerk's office. You can submit a request in person at 800 W. Main Street in Safford or by phone at (928) 428-1210. Provide the case number and specify which documents you need.
Copy fees are set by state law. Arizona courts typically charge 50 cents per page for standard photocopies. Certified copies cost more. Certification adds a fee on top of the per-page charge. The clerk can tell you the exact cost before processing your request.
Record requests take time to process. Clerks pull files, make copies, and mail documents if you are not picking them up in person. Allow several business days for the request to be completed. If you need records urgently, visit the courthouse in person during business hours.
Public records laws in Arizona allow anyone to request court records unless they are sealed or confidential. Traffic cases are generally public. However, some personal information may be redacted for privacy reasons under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-454. That law covers redaction of addresses and other details for certain individuals like judges and peace officers.
Defensive Driving School
If you received a civil traffic citation in Graham County, you may be eligible to attend defensive driving school. Completing the course prevents points from being added to your license. You must finish the class at least seven days before your court date.
The Arizona Supreme Court manages the defensive driving program. Visit azcourts.gov/drive to find approved schools and check eligibility. The court does not grant extensions, so you must complete the course by the deadline on your citation. Proof of completion must be submitted to the Graham County Justice Court before your court date.
Defensive driving is not available for all violations. Criminal traffic charges do not qualify. Civil speeding tickets and other minor infractions usually qualify, but there are limits on how often you can use this option. Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-3392 sets the rules for who is eligible and when the option is available.
License and Registration Holds
Unpaid traffic fines in Graham County can trigger a TTEAP hold on your vehicle registration. TTEAP stands for Traffic Ticket Enforcement Assistance Program. This statewide system links Arizona courts to the Motor Vehicle Division.
When you fail to pay a traffic fine or miss a court date, the court reports the debt to TTEAP. The MVD then blocks your vehicle registration renewal. You cannot renew your registration until the court clears the hold. This affects both the defendant and any co-owner of the vehicle.
To remove a TTEAP hold, you must pay the outstanding balance or set up a payment plan with the Graham County Justice Court. Once the court receives payment, it notifies TTEAP. The hold is released, and you can renew your registration. The process can take a few days after payment. More information is available on the TTEAP program page.
Note: TTEAP holds can delay registration renewal for months if left unresolved.
Motor Vehicle Records
Your driving record shows all traffic convictions, points, and suspensions. This includes cases filed in Graham County and other Arizona counties. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division maintains these records.
You can request a copy of your driving record online at AZMVDNow.gov. An uncertified three-year record costs $3. A certified five-year record costs $5. Fees are set by Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-446. Certified records are needed for court or employment purposes. Uncertified records are for personal use.
If you prefer to request records by mail, complete MVD Form 46-4416. Mail the form and payment to the MVD. Your signature must be notarized unless you submit it in person at an MVD office.
Driving records show points from traffic convictions. Points affect your insurance rates and can lead to license suspension if you accumulate too many. Traffic cases in Graham County add points to your record unless you complete defensive driving school.
Collision and Accident Reports
If a traffic violation in Graham County involved a collision, you may need a copy of the accident report. The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains reports for accidents investigated by state troopers on highways and state routes.
You can request DPS collision reports through the DPS Records Request portal. The Department Records Unit receives completed reports from troopers within 14 days of the incident. Paper reports cost $9 for the first nine pages and 10 cents for each additional page.
Local accidents handled by the Graham County Sheriff's Office may require a separate request to the sheriff's department. DPS only maintains reports for cases they investigated. Contact the agency that responded to the scene to determine where the report is kept.
Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-667 prohibits using accident reports for commercial solicitation. You can request reports for legal purposes, insurance claims, or personal records.
Legal Help and Resources
If you need help understanding your traffic case, several resources are available. The Graham County Justice Court clerks can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice. For advice on how to handle your case, you may want to consult an attorney.
Arizona legal aid organizations provide free assistance to people who qualify based on income. These groups help with civil legal matters and may answer questions about traffic cases. Search for local legal aid offices online or ask the court for referrals.
The Arizona Judicial Branch website at azcourts.gov offers general information about Arizona courts, including self-service centers and guides for representing yourself. Traffic cases are usually straightforward, but it helps to know your rights and options before going to court.
Nearby County Courts
If your traffic violation occurred in a neighboring county, check these resources: