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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
justice court; jurisdiction; crimes
Purpose
Effective January 1, 2021, allows a uniform traffic ticket and complaint filed in the incorrect precinct bordering the precinct where the offense occurred to be transferred to the correct precinct if both are in the same county.
Background
Statute states that justice courts have jurisdiction over criminal and misdemeanor offenses that do not exceed a punishment of a fine of $2,500, imprisonment for six months or both a fine and imprisonment. The justice courts also have jurisdiction over specific proceedings in felony cases (A.R.S. § 22-301).
Generally, criminal prosecutions must be tried in the county in which the conduct constituting any element of the offense or a result of such conduct occurred, unless otherwise allowed by law. Statute states that if a person commits an offense resulting in criminal prosecution on the boundary of two or more counties, or within one mile of the boundary, the trial may be held in either of the counties (A.R.S. § 13-109).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a uniform traffic ticket and complaint filed in the incorrect precinct that borders the precinct where the offense occurred to be transferred to the correct precinct if both precincts are in the same county.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on January 1, 2021.
House Action
JUD 2/5/20 DPA 8-0-0-2
3rd Read 2/17/20 60-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 3, 2020
JA/SH/kja