What is a Justice of the Peace?

The Office of Justice of the Peace, Flagstaff Precinct

Flagstaff Precinct

The Flagstaff precinct comprises approximately the southeast third of Coconino County, as shown on this map. The Justice of the Peace is the elected judge who hears a variety of cases arising in the precinct.

The cases include all misdemeanors and traffic violations alleged to have occurred outside of the Flagstaff city limits or on the NAU campus, including on the Navajo Reservation in certain circumstances, the preliminary stages of all felonies, civil suits where the amount in controversy is less than $10,000 including small claims cases of up to $2,500, and landlord/tenant disputes including forcible detainers. The Justice of the Peace issues orders of protection and injunctions against harassment, and is on call around the clock to issue search and arrest warrants for law enforcement.

Justice Court is a real court where real cases concerning real people are decided, and the public deserves a real judge with real courtroom experience to decide them. Justice Court should be a “people’s court” accessible to all people where common sense decisions are made by sensible judges. A legal education, substantial courtroom experience, and prior judicial experience serve to enhance my common sense in the courtroom.