Mohave County Court Records
What Is Mohave County Court Records
Court records in Mohave County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities maintained by various courts operating within Mohave County, Arizona. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-284, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
The following courts in Mohave County maintain official court records:
- Mohave County Superior Court
- Mohave County Justice Courts
- Municipal Courts (Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City)
- Probate Court (division of Superior Court)
- Family Court (division of Superior Court)
- Small Claims Court (division of Justice Courts)
These courts collectively maintain records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Mohave County Courts system provides centralized access to information about these various judicial bodies and their respective record-keeping functions.
Are Court Records Public In Mohave County
Court records in Mohave County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Arizona's Public Records Law, A.R.S. § 39-121, which establishes that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." Additionally, the Arizona Supreme Court has established Rule 123 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona, which specifically governs public access to judicial records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
It is important to note that federal courts maintain separate record systems from state and county courts. Federal court records for cases in Arizona are accessible through the federal PACER system, not through Mohave County resources.
Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Grand jury proceedings
The Arizona Judicial Branch provides comprehensive guidance on public access policies for court records throughout the state, including those in Mohave County.
How To Find Court Records in Mohave County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Mohave County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both in-person and online access options.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the specific court that holds the records of interest
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies)
Mohave County Superior Court Clerk
401 E. Spring Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0713
Mohave County Superior Court
For written requests:
- Prepare a written request including case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
- Submit the request via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate court clerk
- Include payment for estimated copy fees
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery if requesting by mail
For expedited service, the Request Public Records portal on the Mohave County website allows citizens to submit formal requests for various public records, including certain court documents.
How To Look Up Court Records in Mohave County Online?
Mohave County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These resources vary in scope and functionality based on the court and case type.
The primary online portal for Mohave County court records is the Public Access Case Lookup system maintained by the Arizona Judicial Branch. This system provides access to:
- Superior Court civil and criminal cases
- Justice Court cases
- Limited Municipal Court information
To search for records using this system:
- Navigate to the Public Access Case Lookup portal
- Select Mohave County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Choose the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review the search results and select specific cases for detailed information
For criminal history information, the Arizona Judicial Branch maintains a separate Criminal History Record Information portal that includes Mohave County data. This system requires registration and payment of fees for certain searches.
Municipal court records for Kingman, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City may be accessed through city-specific portals:
- Kingman Municipal Court: https://www.cityofkingman.gov/government/departments/municipal-court
- Bullhead City Municipal Court: https://www.bullheadcity.com/departments/municipal-court
- Lake Havasu City Municipal Court: https://www.lhcaz.gov/municipal-court
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or those with sealed or confidential components.
How To Search Mohave County Court Records for Free?
Arizona law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), which states that "The custodian may furnish copies without charge or at a reduced fee if the custodian determines that the waiver or reduction is in the public interest." While inspection is free, copy fees typically apply.
Free search options in Mohave County include:
-
In-person inspection at court clerk offices:
- No fee for viewing public records during regular business hours
- Staff assistance available for locating records
- Self-service public access terminals available at most court locations
-
Online resources without subscription fees:
- The Public Access Case Lookup system provides basic case information at no cost
- The Mohave County Courts website offers free access to court calendars and general case status information
- The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Information portal provides links to various free resources
-
Public law libraries:
- The Mohave County Law Library provides free access to legal research tools and assistance locating public records
- Computer terminals with internet access to court websites are available
While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.50 per page standard)
- Certified copies ($30.00 per document)
- Research assistance beyond standard lookups ($30.00 per hour)
- Complete case file reproduction
What's Included in a Mohave County Court Record?
Court records in Mohave County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A comprehensive court record typically includes:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and judgments
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
- Case docket (chronological list of filings)
- Financial records (filing fees, judgments, payments)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, complaint)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Booking information
- Bail/bond records
- Plea agreements
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (may be restricted)
- Sentencing orders
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal documents
For Family Court Cases:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Temporary orders
- Final decrees
- Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
For Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that lists all activities in chronological order, providing a complete history of the case from filing to disposition.
How Long Does Mohave County Keep Court Records?
Mohave County adheres to the Arizona Supreme Court's records retention schedule as mandated by Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 3-402. This comprehensive schedule establishes minimum retention periods for various court documents.
Key retention periods include:
For Superior Court:
- Felony case files: 75 years after case disposition
- Civil case files: 10 years after case disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years after case disposition
- Probate cases: 25 years after case closing
- Juvenile delinquency records: Until age 28 (with exceptions)
- Adoption records: Permanently maintained
For Justice Courts:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
- Civil cases: 5 years after disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after disposition
- Small claims: 3 years after disposition
For Municipal Courts:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
- Civil traffic cases: 3 years after disposition
- Parking violations: 1 year after disposition
Certain records are maintained permanently, including:
- Indexes to all cases
- Judgment dockets
- Marriage records
- Mental health commitment records
- Records designated as having historical significance
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures. However, many historically significant or frequently accessed records are digitized for permanent preservation before physical copies are destroyed.
Types of Courts In Mohave County
Mohave County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with specific jurisdiction and authority.
Mohave County Superior Court
401 E. Spring Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0713
Mohave County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Superior Court is Mohave County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, family law, probate, and juvenile cases. It also serves as the appellate court for limited jurisdiction courts.
Kingman Justice Court
524 W. Beale Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-0710
Mohave County Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bullhead City Justice Court
2225 Trane Road
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 758-0709
Mohave County Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lake Havasu City Justice Court
2001 College Drive, Suite 148
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928) 453-0705
Mohave County Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
North Canyon Justice Court
PO Box 435
Colorado City, AZ 86021
(928) 875-2544
Mohave County Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice Courts handle civil cases under $10,000, small claims up to $3,500, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
Kingman Municipal Court
219 N. Fourth Street
Kingman, AZ 86401
(928) 753-8193
Kingman Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bullhead City Municipal Court
1255 Marina Boulevard
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
(928) 763-9400
Bullhead City Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lake Havasu City Municipal Court
2001 College Drive
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928) 453-0705
Lake Havasu City Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Courts handle city code violations, misdemeanors, and traffic violations occurring within city limits.
Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts go to the Superior Court. Appeals from Superior Court proceed to the Arizona Court of Appeals, with final appeals to the Arizona Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Mohave County Courts Hear?
Mohave County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by court type and case nature.
Superior Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000
- Divorce and family law matters
- Child custody and support proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
- Probate and estate administration
- Mental health commitments
- Tax appeals
- Real property disputes
- Appeals from limited jurisdiction courts
Justice Courts adjudicate:
- Civil lawsuits up to $10,000
- Small claims up to $3,500
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations in unincorporated areas
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Search warrant applications
Municipal Courts process:
- City code violations
- Misdemeanor crimes occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city boundaries
- Parking infractions
- Preliminary hearings for felonies committed within city limits
- Civil traffic violations
Specialized court programs in Mohave County include:
- Drug Court (rehabilitation-focused alternative for substance-related offenses)
- Veterans Court (addressing specific needs of military veterans)
- Mental Health Court (for defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions)
- Family Treatment Court (supporting parents with substance abuse issues)
- Juvenile Intensive Probation (structured supervision for juvenile offenders)
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Arizona Revised Statutes § 22-201 for Justice Courts and A.R.S. § 12-123 for Superior Court jurisdiction.
How To Find a Court Docket In Mohave County
Court dockets in Mohave County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including hearings, filings, and judicial decisions. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods.
Online docket access:
- Visit the Public Access Case Lookup portal
- Select Mohave County from the jurisdiction menu
- Choose the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- View the register of actions (docket) for matching cases
For upcoming court hearings:
- Access the Mohave County Courts website
- Navigate to the "Calendars" section
- Select the specific court and judge
- View daily or weekly hearing schedules
In-person docket requests:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Request to view the docket or register of actions
- Pay any applicable copy fees if printed copies are needed
By telephone:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names
- Request basic docket information (clerks may provide limited information by phone)
For comprehensive docket research, the Arizona Judicial Branch provides additional resources and guidance on accessing court calendars and schedules throughout the state.
Which Courts in Mohave County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Arizona's judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts or recordings of all proceedings, while "courts not of record" typically maintain only minimal documentation of case outcomes. This distinction is established by Arizona Revised Statutes § 22-201 and Arizona Constitution Article 6.
The following Mohave County courts are not courts of record:
-
Justice Courts:
- Kingman Justice Court
- Bullhead City Justice Court
- Lake Havasu City Justice Court
- North Canyon Justice Court
-
Municipal Courts:
- Kingman Municipal Court
- Bullhead City Municipal Court
- Lake Havasu City Municipal Court
In these courts not of record:
- Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim
- Appeals are handled as "de novo" (new trial) in Superior Court
- Documentation focuses on outcomes rather than detailed proceedings
- Judges are not required to be attorneys (except in certain larger municipalities)
The Mohave County Superior Court is a court of record, maintaining complete transcripts or recordings of all proceedings. This distinction becomes particularly important when considering appeals, as appeals from courts not of record result in entirely new trials in Superior Court, rather than reviews of the original proceedings.
Parties in courts not of record may request recording of proceedings at their own expense, though this does not change the court's fundamental classification. The Arizona Judicial Branch provides additional information about court classifications and their implications for legal proceedings.