§ 22.1.3.2 CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

§ 22.1.3.2 Criminal Jurisdiction. Criminal jurisdiction of justice courts is constitutionally limited to misdemeanors. Ariz. Const. art. 6, § 32(C); Crouch v. Justice of Peace Court of Sixth Precinct, 7 Ariz. App. 460, 465, 440 P.2d 1000, 1005 (1968). A misdemeanor is defined in Arizona's criminal code as an offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment, other than to the custody of the state department of corrections, is authorized by law. A.R.S. § 13-105(25). However, the jurisdiction of a justice court is statutorily limited to misdemeanors and criminal offenses punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,500, imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed 6 months...