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Municipal Court

Show All Answers

1. Can I Pay My Ticket and Non-Delinquent Court Fines Online?

Yes. You may pay online or call Court at 877-685-4496. Please have your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card ready along with your Citation or Case Number. If you have a warrant, you still need to come to court. You must also attend all court dates. Make A Payment

2. How does the appeal process work?

An appeal is a legal process in which a higher court (Yavapai County Superior Court) reviews the decision of a lower court (Cottonwood Municipal Court) based on the audio or transcribed record of your hearing. An appeal is not a retrial of your case, and you cannot present new evidence or testimony. You are responsible for all appeal charges/fees. You may appeal civil traffic findings, criminal rulings and civil orders.

Civil Traffic - You have the right to appeal a final decision of a civil traffic matter in this court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment of responsible. You are not required to pay the fine or post the bond to exercise your right to appeal. However, if you choose not to pay the fine or post the bond on the day the final judgment is entered or make arrangements to pay with the court, the court will enter a default judgment against you and additional fees will be assessed.

Criminal - You have the right to appeal a final decision of a criminal matter in this court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment of guilty. You are not required to pay the fine or post the bond to exercise your right to appeal.

Civil Orders - You have the right to appeal a final decision of a civil order in this court by filing a Notice of Appeal within 14 calendar days of the judgment.

3. How do I post bail?

Bail (bond) may be posted in person at Cottonwood Municipal Court during court hours, and after court hours bail may be posted at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office/County Jail. The Sheriff’s Office/Jail accepts exact cash or money orders. Contact Municipal Court

4. When can warrants be issued?

There are several different times in criminal cases when warrants can be issued by Cottonwood Municipal Court. Read a detailed explanation on the Warrants page.

5. When is my court date?

You can find your court date online or call 928-634-7537. Online court date page

6. Where can I view Arizona laws?

Arizona laws may be viewed online on the Arizona Statutes Page.

7. Where can I view Cottonwood ordinances?

You may view them at Code of Ordinances page.

8. Where do I have to report for defensive driving class?

There are several locations available. for a complete list, consult the Supreme Court Website or call 888-334-5565.

9. Where do I park?

Street parking is available in front of the Court at 665 East Mingus Ave. If the parking lot is full, you may park across the street by the Justice Court in the public parking area, or at the library or at the Recreation Center.

10. What are subpoenas?

Subpoenas are orders to give testimony in court and are issued by the Cottonwood Municipal Court. Parties may subpoena individuals by completing the subpoena form at the court. Parties are responsible for completing the forms and having the subpoenas served on the person who is to appear in court and testify.

11. There is a warrant out for my arrest, what do I do?

Appear in court as soon as possible during business hours to see a Judge. If you appear in person, you should be prepared to post some or all of the bond. During non-business hours, bonds can be paid at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office/County Jail.

12. Can I get a marriage license from Cottonwood Municipal Court?

You cannot get a marriage license at Cottonwood Municipal Court. You may obtain a marriage license at Yavapai County Superior Court.

13. Can I go to defensive driving school for an Arizona citation if I live out of state?

If you wish to attend an out-of-state driving school, contact one of the Arizona schools listed on the Supreme Court Website or call 888-334-5565. Supreme Court Website

14. Can you help me get child support?

Cottonwood Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over enforcement of child support payments. For information, contact Yavapai County Family Support Enforcement at Yavapai County Superior Court. Yavapai County Superior Court Website

15. What victim services are available?

You may speak with the prosecutor regarding your rights as a victim. You have the right to be present at all court proceedings, if you desire.

16. Can you help me sue a contractor, neighbor, etc.?

No. These cases are filed in justice courts. Contact the Verde Valley Justice Court at 928-639-5820.

17. Can you tell me if my license has been suspended?

You will need to call the Motor Vehicle Division at 602-255-0072. Information is also available at Arizona Department of Transportation Website.

18. How do I handle divorce, child custody and support payments?

Cottonwood Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over cases involving divorce, child custody or child support. Such cases are filed in Yavapai County Superior Court. For information on divorce, child custody or child support go to the court website or call the Yavapai County switchboard at 928-639-8100. Yavapai County Superior Court Website

19. How do I get a continuance for defensive driving school?

For one continuance to complete the defensive driving school, you can call the court at 928-634-7537 prior to your court date.

20. How should I dress for court?

Casual business attire is appropriate for most court appearances. Tank tops or shorts are not appropriate for courtroom proceedings. Clothing with visible offensive wording is not permitted.

21. I went to defensive driving school, now what happens?

When you complete the class at one of the schools listed on the brochure given to you by the police officer, the school notifies the court and the charge is dismissed on your record. For further questions, call the Court at 928-634-7537.

22. Where do I find Verde Valley’s Small Claims Court?

Cottonwood Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over small claims cases. For information on filing a small claims case, contact:
Verde Valley Justice Court Phone: 928-639-5820

The court is located at:
10 South 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

23. What is the Self Service Center?

The Self Help Center is a service offered by Yavapai County Superior Court to help individuals assist themselves in court. Information is available in the following categories:
- General information
- Forms
- Lawyers
- Mediation services

To access these services, go to any Yavapai County Superior Court branch or visit the Online Court System Page.