Court records in Apache County, Arizona can be searched through several channels. ApacheCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official state court portals, the Apache County Clerk of Court's office, and public-access terminals located at county courthouses. The Arizona Judicial Branch maintains online tools covering both Superior Court and justice court records, while the Clerk of Court handles in-person and mail requests for documents filed in Apache County.
Apache County Court System & Jurisdictions
Apache County's court system includes the Superior Court and several justice courts, each handling distinct case types.
Apache County Superior Court
The Superior Court is the general-jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000
- Family law matters — divorce, custody, child support, paternity, orders of protection
- Probate and estate administration
- Juvenile cases (delinquency and dependency)
- Mental health proceedings
- Appeals from justice courts and administrative agencies
The Superior Court sits in St. Johns, the Apache County seat.
Justice Courts
Apache County has several justice court precincts, including courts in St. Johns, Chinle, and Round Valley. Justice courts handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Civil disputes up to $10,000
- Small claims (up to $3,500)
- Traffic violations and civil traffic matters
- Eviction (forcible detainer) actions
- Harassment and injunction orders
The Arizona Department of Public Safety lists contact details for Apache County justice courts that handle traffic citations issued by DPS officers.
Which Court Should You Search?
If you are looking for a felony case, a divorce file, or a probate matter, start with the Superior Court. For misdemeanors, traffic tickets, or small-dollar civil disputes, check the appropriate justice court precinct. When in doubt, the Clerk of Court in St. Johns can direct you.
Apache County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding upcoming hearings in Apache County depends on which court level you need.
- Superior Court calendars — The eAccess portal provides 24/7 online access to Apache County Superior Court case information, including scheduled hearing dates for civil and criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2010.
- Justice court calendars — The Public Access Case Lookup tool covers many Arizona justice courts and may include calendar information for Apache County precincts. Select the specific justice court from the drop-down menu to search.
- In-person or by phone — Contact the Clerk of Court or the relevant justice court directly to confirm today's or this week's hearing schedule. Courtroom postings at the courthouse also list daily calendars.
Calendar data online may not reflect last-minute continuances or changes. Always verify with the court before appearing.
How to Get a Copy of an Apache County Court Document
You can obtain court documents from Apache County through online portals, in person, or by mail.
Online Access
- Visit the eAccess portal for Superior Court civil and criminal documents filed on or after July 1, 2010.
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney name.
- View and download available documents. Some filings — particularly those involving sealed records, juvenile matters, or mental health proceedings — are restricted from public view.
In Person
Visit the Apache County Clerk of Superior Court:
Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. The clerk can pull the file and provide copies on the spot during business hours.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the estimated fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions. They work for personal reference or research.
- Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, or use in another jurisdiction.
The Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center provides forms and instructions that may be useful if you are representing yourself and need to request specific documents.
Apache County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Arizona are established by statute (A.R.S. § 12-284) and by administrative orders from the Supreme Court of Arizona. The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by the Clerk of Superior Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by court order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $26.00 |
| Record search (per name/case) | Contact clerk for current fee |
| Docket sheet or case history printout | $0.50 per page |
| Appeal preparation fee | Set by statute — contact clerk |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order payable to "Apache County Clerk of Superior Court." Some courts may accept debit or credit cards — confirm before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order only. Include extra to cover possible additional pages; overpayments are typically refunded.
- Online: eAccess document viewing is generally free. Downloading or printing may not carry an additional charge through the portal, but certified copies still require a separate request and fee.
Justice court fees may differ slightly from Superior Court fees. Contact the specific justice court precinct for its fee schedule. For criminal history records outside the court system, the Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains a separate process and fee structure.