Traffic Court Records in Pima County
Traffic court records in Pima County include citations and cases filed at the Justice Court system and Tucson Municipal Court. The Justice Court serves areas outside city limits where county and state law enforcement operate. Tucson Municipal Court handles tickets written by city police within Tucson boundaries. You can search for traffic cases online or submit records requests to obtain copies of court files. All Justice Court business is conducted from the main office at 240 N. Stone Avenue in Tucson. The court processes civil traffic citations, criminal traffic charges, and other limited jurisdiction matters. Phone support is available at (520) 724-3171 during regular business hours.
Pima County Traffic Court Quick Facts
Pima County Justice Court
The Pima County Justice Court handles traffic violations issued by county sheriff deputies, Department of Public Safety troopers, and other state law enforcement on highways and unincorporated areas. The court has one main location in downtown Tucson. All case filings, payments, and records requests go through that office.
The courthouse address is 240 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701. Office hours run weekdays during normal business times. No services are available on weekends or county holidays. The main phone line is (520) 724-3171. Staff can answer questions about case status, payment options, and court procedures. If you need an interpreter for court business, call that same number to request interpretation services. The court provides this service at no charge for people who do not speak English.
The Justice Court's website is www.jp.pima.gov. That site includes case search tools, payment portals, and information about different case types. You can also find forms and instructions for common court procedures.
As of November 10, 2025, all virtual hearings use Microsoft Teams. The court no longer uses Zoom for remote appearances. If you have a scheduled virtual hearing, you will receive instructions for joining via Teams.
Search Traffic Cases Online
Pima County Justice Court provides an online case search at www.jp.pima.gov/CaseSearch. The search tool lets you find cases by name, case number, or citation number. Enter your information and the system returns matching records. Results show the case type, filing date, charges, and current status.
The database includes both civil and criminal traffic cases. Civil traffic violations are standard speeding tickets, stop sign violations, and similar infractions. Criminal traffic charges involve more serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or driving on a suspended license. The search is free. You do not need to create an account or log in.
For the most current information, check directly with the court. Online records may take a few days to update after a citation is filed. If your ticket is very recent, it might not appear in the system yet.
Civil Traffic Cases
Civil traffic violations make up the bulk of Justice Court cases. These include speeding, failure to yield, improper lane changes, and equipment violations. The citation tells you the court date and the charges. You must respond before that date or face additional penalties.
Options for handling a civil traffic ticket include paying the fine, requesting a hearing to contest the charge, or attending defensive driving school if you qualify. Defensive driving must be completed at least seven days before your court date. The Arizona Supreme Court does not grant extensions for traffic citations, so plan ahead if you choose this option.
The civil traffic page at the Justice Court website includes answers to common questions. One frequent issue is how to lift a license suspension. To lift a suspension, you must pay fines and fees in full or start a court-approved payment plan. After satisfying the court's requirements, you still need to follow up with the Motor Vehicle Division to get your license reinstated. The court clears its hold, but MVD has separate steps for reinstatement.
Juveniles under 18 years old must appear with a parent or legal guardian. This appearance is mandatory before entering a plea on any charge. The hearing officer reviews the case with the juvenile and guardian present. This rule applies to all minors regardless of the violation type.
Note: Failure to appear or pay on time results in additional fees and possible registration holds.
Request Court Records
You can request copies of court records through the online records request system at www.jp.pima.gov/OnlineRecordsRequest/Default.aspx. Fill out the form with your case information and specify which documents you need. The court processes requests within five business days.
Fees for records are set by state law. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certification of any document is $33. A non-certified letter costs $33, while a certified letter is $66. If your request is for commercial purposes, the fee is $3 per case.
The court maintains records according to retention schedules set by the Arizona Supreme Court. Once the retention period expires, files are destroyed. Traffic cases typically have shorter retention periods than criminal felonies or civil lawsuits. If you need old records, request them as soon as possible.
Fines and Payment Options
Traffic fines vary based on the violation type and circumstances. The citation shows the total amount due. That amount includes the base fine, court fees, and any surcharges required by state law. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse.
Online payments go through the court's payment portal. The system accepts major credit cards and debit cards. Some payment processors charge a convenience fee on top of your fine amount. Check the payment page for current fee information before completing your transaction.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you may apply for a payment plan. The court requires a financial review before approving installment arrangements. Contact the court at (520) 724-3171 to discuss payment plan options. Getting a plan in place before your due date helps avoid default fees and license holds.
Ignoring a traffic ticket leads to serious consequences. The court enters a default judgment. Your license gets suspended through the Traffic Ticket Enforcement Assistance Program. The Motor Vehicle Division places a hold on your vehicle registration. You cannot renew your registration until the debt is paid. Default fees and collection costs get added to your balance.
Legal Aid and Resources
Several organizations in Pima County provide legal assistance and information. While most traffic cases are straightforward, some situations benefit from legal guidance. This is especially true for criminal traffic charges or cases involving license suspensions.
The Pima County Public Defender's Office handles serious criminal matters but does not represent people on standard traffic tickets. For low-cost legal help, contact Community Legal Services or the Southern Arizona Legal Aid. These nonprofits assist qualifying individuals with legal questions and representation.
The Arizona Courts website at www.azcourts.gov/drive offers information about defensive driving programs. This option lets eligible drivers attend a class instead of getting points on their license. You must complete the course at least seven days before your court date. The court decides if you qualify based on your driving record and the violation type.
For questions about your driving record or license status, contact the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. They maintain the official record of all traffic convictions, points, and suspensions. Their website is azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-services/driver-license-information/motor-vehicle-records. You can order copies of your driving record online for a small fee.
Arizona Statewide Court Systems
Arizona operates a statewide public access system for court records at apps.azcourts.gov/publicaccess/caselookup.aspx. This database covers 153 out of 180 courts in the state. You can search by name or case number to find cases from multiple jurisdictions at once. The system includes Justice Courts, Superior Courts, and some Municipal Courts that participate in the network.
Not all courts share data with the statewide system. Some cities and counties maintain separate databases. Always check both the statewide portal and the local court website for the most complete results. Pima County Justice Court cases should appear in both places, but new filings may show up on the local system first.
The statewide portal also features a chatbot called TTEAP that answers questions about registration holds and license suspensions. If you cannot renew your vehicle registration due to an unpaid ticket, the chatbot can provide information about resolving the hold. Visit the public access page to use this tool.
Municipal Court in Pima County
Tucson is the only city in Pima County with a population over 50,000. The city operates its own Municipal Court for violations within city limits. If Tucson Police Department wrote your ticket, your case goes to Tucson Municipal Court instead of Justice Court.
Tucson Municipal Court information:
The municipal court has a different address, phone number, and online system than Justice Court. Do not confuse the two. Check your citation to see which court has jurisdiction. The ticket will clearly state Justice Court or Municipal Court along with the courthouse address.
Nearby County Courts
If your traffic violation happened in a neighboring county, check these court systems:
Each county runs its own court system. Procedures, fees, and online services differ from one county to another. Always contact the specific court listed on your citation for accurate information.