Cochise County justice courts manage 41358 cases amid resource challenges

Cochise County's justice courts are facing a significant workload, handling over 41,000 cases—equivalent to one-third of the county's population. This staggering number highlights the critical role these courts play in the local judicial system. Judge Storm noted that many cases involve individuals from outside the county, presenting unique challenges for the court system.

The discussion revealed that the Wilcox Justice of the Peace Court is the busiest in Arizona, with nearly 8,800 cases processed. This high volume is attributed to aggressive law enforcement, particularly state troopers, who issue numerous traffic violations. The court's efficiency is further complicated by the need to manage cases that require extensive paperwork, especially those involving the sealing of court records.

A key point of contention arose regarding state mandates that require judges to seal records from closed cases, a process that can take two to four hours per case. This law allows individuals to omit their criminal history when applying for jobs or loans, raising concerns about accountability. Judges expressed frustration over the implications of this mandate, emphasizing the need for careful handling of such cases.

As Cochise County navigates these challenges, discussions about intergovernmental agreements with local cities for funding support are ongoing. The county is actively seeking additional resources to manage the increasing demands on its judicial system, ensuring that it can continue to serve the community effectively.