An az court case lookup lets you search Arizona court records online for free. You can find criminal, civil, and family case details in just minutes.
Arizona overhauled its public access portal in early 2026. The updated system now covers all 15 counties statewide. Over 4 million case files are searchable by name or case number.
Most people do not know where to begin their search. This guide walks you through every tool available. You will learn how to find records in Maricopa, Pima, and every other county.
About 70% of Arizona court records are open to the public at zero cost. The remaining files require a formal records request through the clerk.
AZ Court Case Lookup
An az court case lookup is a search tool that retrieves Arizona court records by name, case number, or date. The Arizona Judicial Branch operates the primary portal for statewide searches.
The 2026 portal update added new filters for case type and filing year. You can now narrow results by county, court level, and disposition status. This makes finding specific cases much faster than before.
Think of it like searching a library catalog. You can browse by author, title, or subject. The court portal works the same way with different search fields.
Quick Facts:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Portal Operator | Arizona Judicial Branch |
| Records Available | 4 million plus |
| Counties Covered | All 15 |
| Search Cost | Free for basic lookups |
| 2026 Update | New filters and faster load times |
Most searches return results within seconds. Older cases from before 2005 may take longer to retrieve. Some pre-1990 records exist only in paper format at the county clerk office.
Arizona Court Case Search
An Arizona court case search lets you query any state court database using personal details or case identifiers. You can search by party name, attorney name, or case number.
The search covers three main court levels in Arizona. These include the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Superior Court. Each level maintains its own docket system.
Results typically show the case title, filing date, and current status. You will also see a list of all documents filed in the case. Some documents are viewable online while others require an in-person visit.
- Party name search: Enter first and last name of any involved party.
- Attorney search: Look up all cases handled by a specific lawyer.
- Case number search: Use the exact number for the fastest results.
The name search is the most popular option. It works well when you do not have the case number handy. Just be aware that common names may return hundreds of results.
Key Takeaway: The Arizona Judicial Branch portal is your starting point for any statewide court record search in 2026.
AZ Court Records Online
AZ court records online refers to the digital database of Arizona court filings accessible through the state public access system. The portal went live with major upgrades in January 2026.
You can view docket entries, hearing schedules, and case dispositions from your browser. Most records are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system undergoes brief maintenance on Sunday mornings.
Records are organized by court type and county. You select your county first, then choose the court level. This two-step process helps narrow down results quickly.
| Record Type | Available Online | Paper Only |
|---|---|---|
| Civil filings after 2005 | Yes | No |
| Criminal filings after 2005 | Yes | No |
| Family court after 2010 | Yes | Partial |
| Pre-2005 records | Partial | Yes |
| Sealed records | No | No |
Not every document in a case file is digitized. Older filings and certain exhibits may only exist in physical form. Contact the county clerk for access to those materials.
Maricopa County Court Case Lookup
A Maricopa County court case lookup searches records from the largest court system in Arizona. Maricopa County handles over 1.5 million case filings each year.
The Maricopa County Superior Court operates its own search portal separate from the state system. You can search by name, case number, or date range. Results include civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile cases.
Maricopa is unique because it has the highest volume of cases in the state. A simple name search might return thousands of hits. Use additional filters like birth date or case type to narrow your results.
Search Tips for Maricopa County:
- Use the full legal name including middle initial.
- Filter by case type to eliminate irrelevant results.
- Check both Superior Court and Justice Court databases.
- Allow 48 hours for newly filed cases to appear online.
The Maricopa clerk charges $0.50 per page for printed copies. Digital downloads from the portal are free for most document types. Certified copies cost $30 per document as of 2026.
Arizona Public Access Court Records
Arizona public access court records are case files that state law allows anyone to view without special permission. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 12 governs which records are open.
The default rule in Arizona is that court records are public. This means you do not need to be a party in the case to view the file. Anyone can walk into a courthouse or search online.
Certain exceptions exist under ARS 12-120.01. Juvenile records, adoption files, and mental health proceedings are sealed by law. You would need a court order to access those specific files.
| Record Category | Public Access | Restricted |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal convictions | Yes | No |
| Civil judgments | Yes | No |
| Divorce decrees | Partial | Yes |
| Juvenile cases | No | Yes |
| Adoption records | No | Yes |
| Mental health cases | No | Yes |
If a record is sealed, the search portal will show the case exists. It will not display any details beyond the case number and filing date. The actual documents remain hidden from public view.
Key Takeaway: Maricopa County has its own search portal, and most Arizona records are public unless specifically sealed by statute.
Pima County Court Case Lookup
A Pima County court case lookup searches records from the Tucson-area court system. Pima County is the second-largest jurisdiction in Arizona by case volume.
The Pima County Superior Court provides online access to civil and criminal dockets. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system covers records filed from 2003 to the present.
Pima County processes roughly 300,000 case filings per year. The search interface is simpler than the Maricopa system. Most users find what they need in under five minutes.
Quick Facts for Pima County:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Annual Filings | ~300,000 |
| Online Records From | 2003 |
| Search Methods | Name, case number, attorney |
| Copy Fees | $0.50 per page |
| Certified Copy | $25 per document |
For older Pima County records, visit the clerk office in downtown Tucson. Staff can pull physical files within one to two business days. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it.
AZ Supreme Court Case Search
An AZ Supreme Court case search retrieves opinions, orders, and docket entries from the highest court in Arizona. The Supreme Court handles appeals and constitutional questions.
You can search Supreme Court cases through the Arizona Judicial Branch appellate portal. Enter the case name, docket number, or keyword from the opinion. Results include full text opinions dating back to 1996.
Supreme Court cases are different from trial court records. You will not find witness testimony or evidence exhibits here. Instead, you get appellate briefs, oral argument recordings, and final rulings.
- Opinion search: Find published and unpublished decisions by keyword.
- Docket search: Track the progress of a pending appeal.
- Oral arguments: Listen to audio recordings from 2012 onward.
The Supreme Court issues roughly 100 published opinions per year. Unpublished memorandum decisions number in the hundreds. Both types are searchable through the same portal.
Arizona Court Case Number Search
An Arizona court case number search is the fastest way to locate a specific case in the state database. Every Arizona case receives a unique number at the time of filing.
The case number follows a standard format across all counties. It typically starts with the year, followed by a court code and a sequential number. For example, a 2026 Maricopa civil case might read CV2026-012345.
Using the case number eliminates the guesswork of name searches. You avoid confusion caused by common names or misspellings. The system returns the exact case in under two seconds.
| Case Number Prefix | Case Type |
|---|---|
| CV | Civil |
| CR | Criminal |
| DR | Domestic Relations |
| PR | Probate |
| JV | Juvenile |
| TX | Tax Court |
If you do not know the case number, check any court documents you received by mail. The number appears in the top right corner of every filing. Your attorney can also provide it upon request.
Key Takeaway: The case number is your most powerful search tool. It delivers instant, precise results across all Arizona courts.
AZ Court Docket Lookup
An AZ court docket lookup shows you the complete timeline of events in a specific court case. The docket lists every filing, hearing, motion, and order from start to finish.
Think of the docket as a receipt log for the case. Each entry records what happened and when. You can see exactly when a complaint was filed or a motion was denied.
The docket is often the most useful part of a court record. It tells the story of the case without requiring you to read every document. Most legal professionals start with the docket before diving deeper.
What a Typical Docket Entry Includes:
- Filing date: The exact date the document was submitted.
- Document type: Complaint, answer, motion, order, or notice.
- Filing party: Which side submitted the document.
- Judge assignment: The judicial officer handling the case.
Docket entries update in real time for e-filed cases. Paper filings may take one to three business days to appear. The 2026 portal update improved syncing speed across all 15 counties.
Arizona Criminal Court Records
Arizona criminal court records contain the full case history of criminal charges filed in state courts. These records include arrests, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and sentencing details.
Criminal records are among the most frequently searched court documents in Arizona. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards request them regularly. The public access portal makes these searches straightforward.
A criminal case search returns the defendant name, charges, and disposition. You will see whether the case ended in conviction, acquittal, or dismissal. Sentencing details appear once the case reaches final judgment.
| Detail | Availability |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor records | Public after disposition |
| Felony records | Public after disposition |
| Pending charges | Public with limited detail |
| Expunged records | Not available |
| Set-aside convictions | Visible with notation |
Arizona allows certain convictions to be set aside under ARS 13-905. A set-aside record still appears in searches but includes a notation. It is not the same as full expungement.
AZ Civil Court Case Search
An AZ civil court case search retrieves records from non-criminal legal disputes in Arizona courts. This includes personal injury, contract disputes, property claims, and debt collection cases.
Civil cases make up the largest share of Arizona court filings. The 2026 data shows over 600,000 new civil cases statewide. Most of these originate in Maricopa and Pima counties.
A civil case search reveals the plaintiff, defendant, and nature of the claim. You can see the amount of damages sought and the final judgment. Settlement amounts are sometimes listed but often remain confidential.
- Personal injury: Car accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice.
- Contract disputes: Breach of contract, unpaid invoices, lease violations.
- Property claims: Boundary disputes, title issues, landlord-tenant conflicts.
- Debt collection: Credit card lawsuits, medical debt, loan defaults.
Small claims cases under $3,500 are handled in Justice Court. Larger civil claims go to Superior Court. Make sure you search the correct court level for the case you need.
Key Takeaway: Criminal records show charges and outcomes, while civil records reveal disputes and judgments between private parties.
Arizona Court Case Status
Arizona court case status tells you the current phase of an active or closed legal proceeding. You can check whether a case is pending, on appeal, or fully resolved.
The status field appears at the top of every case record in the portal. Common status labels include “Active,” “Disposed,” “On Appeal,” and “Stayed.” Each label tells you exactly where the case stands.
Checking case status is especially useful for people involved in ongoing litigation. You can see if a hearing was rescheduled or a new motion was filed. This helps you stay informed without calling the clerk.
| Status Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | Case is ongoing with pending actions |
| Disposed | Case is closed with a final ruling |
| On Appeal | Decision is being reviewed by a higher court |
| Stayed | Case is temporarily paused by court order |
| Consolidated | Merged with another related case |
Status updates typically post within 24 hours of a court action. Weekend and holiday filings may take until the next business day. The 2026 system processes updates faster than previous versions.
How to Find Court Cases in Arizona
To find court cases in Arizona, start with the Arizona Judicial Branch public access portal. Enter the party name or case number and select the appropriate county.
The process takes less than five minutes for most searches. You do not need an account or a subscription. The basic search function is completely free for all users.
If the state portal does not return results, try the county-specific system. Some counties maintain separate databases with additional detail. Maricopa and Pima are the most common examples.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Go to the Arizona Judicial Branch public access page.
- Select the county where the case was filed.
- Choose your search type: name, case number, or date.
- Enter the required information and click search.
- Review the results and click on the case for full details.
If you hit a dead end online, call the county clerk directly. Clerks can search internal systems that are not available to the public. They can also tell you if a record has been sealed or destroyed.
AZ Court Case Lookup Free
An AZ court case lookup free search means you can access basic Arizona court records without paying any fees. The state public access portal does not charge for standard searches.
Free searches include party name lookups, case number queries, and docket views. You can see filing dates, hearing schedules, and case dispositions at no cost. This covers the vast majority of what most people need.
Fees only apply when you request physical copies or certified documents. Digital viewing through the portal remains free in 2026. This is a significant advantage over many other states that charge per search.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online name search | Free |
| Online case number search | Free |
| Docket viewing | Free |
| Document download | Free for most types |
| Printed copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies | $25 to $30 each |
| Bulk data requests | Varies by county |
Third-party websites may charge for the same information. Stick with the official state and county portals to avoid unnecessary fees. The government sites provide the same data at zero cost.
Arizona Justice Court Records
Arizona Justice Court records cover minor criminal offenses, small claims, traffic violations, and eviction cases. Justice Courts handle the highest volume of individual filings in the state.
There are over 60 Justice Court precincts across Arizona. Each precinct serves a specific geographic area within its county. Records from these courts are searchable through the state portal.
Justice Court cases are typically smaller in scope than Superior Court matters. Small claims cases cap at $3,500 in damages. Misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic tickets make up the bulk of the docket.
Quick Facts About Justice Courts:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Precincts | 60 plus statewide |
| Small Claims Limit | $3,500 |
| Case Types | Traffic, misdemeanor, eviction, small claims |
| Online Access | Yes, through state portal |
| Record Retention | 5 to 10 years depending on type |
Justice Court records are often overlooked in searches. Many people only check Superior Court and miss relevant cases. Always search both court levels to get a complete picture.
Key Takeaway: Free searches cover most needs, and Justice Court records should not be overlooked when conducting a thorough Arizona case lookup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up a court case in Arizona for free?
Use the Arizona Judicial Branch public access portal to search by name or case number. Basic searches and docket views are completely free in 2026. No account or subscription is required.
Can I search Arizona court records by name?
Yes, you can search by the full legal name of any party involved in the case. The portal supports first and last name searches across all 15 counties. Adding a middle initial helps narrow results for common names.
How long does it take for a new case to appear online?
Most new cases appear within 24 to 48 hours of filing. E-filed cases typically show up faster than paper filings. Allow up to three business days during high-volume periods.
Are sealed court records available to the public in Arizona?
No, sealed records are not accessible through the public portal or at the clerk office. Arizona law restricts access to juvenile, adoption, and certain mental health records. A court order is required to unseal these files.
What is the difference between Superior Court and Justice Court records?
Superior Court handles felonies, large civil claims, and family law matters. Justice Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims, and evictions. You should search both systems for a complete records check.
Your az court case lookup is faster and easier than ever in 2026. The updated state portal covers all 15 counties with free access to millions of records.
Start with the Arizona Judicial Branch public access system. Use the case number if you have it for the quickest results. Check both Superior Court and Justice Court databases to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Bookmark this guide and revisit it whenever you need to track a case or verify a record. The portal will continue to improve throughout 2026 with new features and faster search speeds.
