GOVERNMENT
Order in the courts How Maricopa’s justice system navigates growth, caseloads and public relations BY MONICA D. SPENCER
TOTAL CASES FILED BY MARICOPA MUNICIPAL COURT
5,123 traffic
2022 6,408 cases
A
S MARICOPA’S POPULATION continues to grow, so do the caseloads for its courts. Judges are tasked not only with balancing
959 misdemeanors
326 other civil
accessibility, efficiency and fairness but also with making the court system easier for the public to navigate. Three courts serve Maricopa and surrounding communities: Maricopa Municipal Court, Western Pinal Justice Court and Pinal County Superior Court. Each handles distinct types of cases. InMaricopa spoke with judges from two of these courts to gain insight into their roles, challenges and common misconceptions. Editor’s note: Some quotes have been lightly edited for readability. Maricopa Municipal Court Stephen McCarville brings decades of experience to Maricopa Municipal Court, including over 20 years on the Pinal County Superior Court, six as presiding judge. In January 2023, the Maricopa City Council appointed him interim presiding judge for the municipal court. He describes his role as overseeing court operations and ensuring fair, efficient administration of justice within city limits. What is Maricopa Municipal Court? The municipal court serves as the city’s limited jurisdiction court, handling cases that occur within city limits. These include misdemeanors, civil traffic citations, DUIs, protective orders and violations of city ordinances. Its mission is to provide accessible, community-centered justice reflecting the values and needs of Maricopa residents. What types of cases do you most typically hear? In 2024, the municipal court processed a total of 8,645 case filings. The majority — approximately 64% — were civil traffic violations. What challenges does the court encounter with a rapidly growing community like Maricopa?
5,902 traffic
2023 7,351 cases
1,293 misdemeanors
156 other civil
5,831 traffic
2024 8,048 cases
1,646 misdemeanors
571 other civil
not dramatic courtroom battles. Second, victims must press charges. Prosecutors can pursue charges even if the victim doesn’t want to, especially in serious cases like domestic violence. How does your court educate the public? The court is actively exploring new and meaningful ways to engage with the community and promote public understanding of the justice system. Educational initiatives include hosting interactive mock trials that give participants a hands-on view of courtroom proceedings and conducting Q&A sessions at local schools to foster civic awareness among students. In addition, the courthouse offers copies of the comic book The Family Circus Visits the Courts by Bil Keane. These are available upon request to help make court concepts more accessible and relatable, especially to younger audiences. These outreach efforts are designed to demystify the legal process, build trust and empower community members with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities.
Hon. Stephen McCarville
court prioritizes ensuring that every visitor is treated as a valued member of the community, reinforcing its dedication to public trust and service excellence. What are common misunderstandings the public tends to have about the court? First, that every case goes to trial. In reality, most cases — especially criminal ones — are resolved through plea bargains or settlements,
As Maricopa experiences continued population growth, the municipal court faces the significant challenge of maintaining consistent service levels despite a soaring caseload — averaging 865 cases per employee, the highest in Pinal County. In response, the court remains committed to a people-first approach, emphasizing dignity, respect and accessibility in every interaction. Even under increased operational demands, the
InMaricopa.com | September 2025
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September 2025 | InMaricopa.com
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