Navajo County Court Records
What Is Navajo County Court Records
Court records in Navajo County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court and other court administrators throughout the county. 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
In Navajo County, the following courts maintain official records:
- Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
- Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction)
These records encompass various case types including:
- Civil litigation
- Criminal proceedings
- Family law matters
- Probate cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims
The Arizona Supreme Court Rules on Public Access to Court Records, specifically Rule 123, establishes the framework for public access to these documents, defining court records as "all existing documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, or other materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of any official business by the court."
Are Court Records Public In Navajo County
Court records in Navajo County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Arizona's Public Records Law (§ 39-121) and the Arizona Supreme Court Rules on Public Access to Court Records. The Arizona Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and 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
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (with exceptions)
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Cases involving minors as victims of sexual offenses
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona are governed by federal access rules, not state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.
The Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123 specifically addresses public access to court records, establishing three tiers of access: public records, restricted records, and confidential records. This rule balances the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Navajo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Navajo 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 where the case was filed
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Pay applicable copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Navajo County Superior Court Clerk's Office
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4188
Clerk of the Court
For written requests:
- Download the public records request form
- Complete all required fields
- Submit via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate court
- Include payment for any applicable fees
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
For Justice Court records, contact the specific court where the case was filed:
Holbrook Justice Court
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4720
Snowflake Justice Court
145 South Main Street
Snowflake, AZ 85937
(928) 536-4141
Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court
1630 South Mountainaire Road
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935
(928) 368-6200
Winslow Justice Court
117 North Kansas Street
Winslow, AZ 86047
(928) 289-6840
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-284, the Clerk of the Superior Court may charge reasonable fees for copies of records. Current fees are $0.50 per page for standard copies and $0.50 per page for certified copies plus a $17.00 certification fee.
How To Look Up Court Records in Navajo County Online?
Navajo County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits.
The primary online resource is the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup, which provides access to case information from Superior Courts throughout Arizona, including Navajo County. To use this system:
- Navigate to the Public Access Case Lookup website
- Select the court type (Superior Court)
- Choose Navajo County from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or business name)
- Review the case summary information
- Note that complete case documents are not available through this portal
For Justice Court records, limited information may be available through:
- The Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Information
- Select "Justice Courts" from the court type menu
- Choose the specific Navajo County Justice Court
- Enter search parameters
- Review available case information
For more comprehensive document access, the Arizona Judicial Branch offers eCourts, which provides:
- Case document access (registration required)
- Filing status updates
- Hearing schedules
- Judgment information
Users should note that online access has certain limitations:
- Some documents may only be available in person
- Older cases may not be digitized
- Confidential or sealed records are not accessible online
- Complete case files typically require in-person requests
The Navajo County Superior Court website provides additional information about electronic access options and limitations.
How To Search Navajo County Court Records for Free?
Arizona law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), "The custodian may require any person requesting that the custodian mail a copy of any public record to pay in advance for any copying and postage charges."
Free access options in Navajo County include:
In-person inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
- Take notes or photographs (where permitted)
- Pay only if copies are requested
Online resources with no access fees:
- Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup (basic case information)
- AZCourtHelp.org (general court information and self-help resources)
- Navajo County court calendars and dockets published online
Public access terminals:
- Available at the Navajo County Superior Court Clerk's Office
- Provide more comprehensive access than public websites
- No charge for on-site use
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
While inspection is free, the following fee structure currently applies for copies:
- Standard copies: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $0.50 per page plus $17.00 certification fee
- Research fees: $30.00 per hour (if staff assistance is required)
- Electronic records: Fees vary based on format and delivery method
The Navajo County Public Records Request page provides current fee schedules and request procedures.
What's Included in a Navajo County Court Record?
Court records in Navajo County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but typically include:
Case initiation documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Service of process documentation
- Initial appearances
- Arraignment records
Procedural documents:
- Motions and responses
- Briefs and memoranda
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Subpoenas
- Notices of hearing
- Continuance requests
Evidence and testimony:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Affidavits and declarations
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
- Witness lists
- Expert reports
Court-generated documents:
- Orders and rulings
- Judgments and decrees
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Minute entries
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Sentencing documents (in criminal cases)
Case management information:
- Register of actions (docket)
- Scheduling notices
- Appearance records
- Attorney information
- Judge assignments
Post-judgment materials:
- Appeals documentation
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Enforcement proceedings
- Probation reports (in criminal cases)
- Restitution records
In accordance with Rule 123 of the Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses in certain cases
The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with state law and court rules.
How Long Does Navajo County Keep Court Records?
Navajo County adheres to the Arizona Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various court documents. These retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance.
Key retention periods include:
Criminal cases:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after case disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic cases: 5 years after case disposition
Civil cases:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after case disposition
- Small claims: 7 years after case disposition
- Domestic relations: 75 years after case disposition
- Probate: 25 years after case closure
- Guardianship/conservatorship: 75 years after case closure
Special document categories:
- Judgments: 25 years (civil) to permanent (criminal felonies)
- Orders of protection: 25 years
- Injunctions against harassment: 10 years
- Mental health proceedings: 75 years
- Juvenile records: Until age 28 (most cases)
These retention schedules are established pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-284 and the Arizona Supreme Court's Administrative Order 2017-15, which mandates specific retention periods for all Arizona courts.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
- Transferred to the Arizona State Archives
- Preserved in digital format while physical copies are destroyed
- Maintained longer at the court's discretion
Historical cases of significant public interest may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.
Types of Courts In Navajo County
Navajo County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority.
Navajo County Superior Court
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Superior Court
The Superior Court is Navajo County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, family law, probate, and juvenile cases. Four judicial divisions operate within this court.
Justice Courts (Limited Jurisdiction):
Holbrook Justice Court
100 East Carter Drive
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-4720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Snowflake Justice Court
145 South Main Street
Snowflake, AZ 85937
(928) 536-4141
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court
1630 South Mountainaire Road
Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ 85935
(928) 368-6200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Winslow Justice Court
117 North Kansas Street
Winslow, AZ 86047
(928) 289-6840
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.
Municipal Courts (Limited Jurisdiction):
Holbrook Municipal Court
465 First Avenue
Holbrook, AZ 86025
(928) 524-3994
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Show Low Municipal Court
200 West Cooley Street
Show Low, AZ 85901
(928) 532-4170
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Winslow Municipal Court
115 East Second Street
Winslow, AZ 86047
(928) 289-5471
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Courts handle city code violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within city limits.
The court hierarchy in Arizona proceeds from limited jurisdiction courts (Municipal and Justice Courts) to the Superior Court, then to the Arizona Court of Appeals, and finally to the Arizona Supreme Court for appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Navajo County Courts Hear?
Navajo County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, monetary value, and geographic boundaries.
Superior Court cases include:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil litigation exceeding $10,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency
- Mental health proceedings
- Tax appeals
- Complex civil litigation
- Administrative appeals
- Eminent domain proceedings
Justice Court cases include:
- Civil disputes 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
- DUI cases (misdemeanor level)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil traffic hearings
- Fish and game violations
Municipal Court cases include:
- City code violations
- Misdemeanor crimes occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city boundaries
- Parking infractions
- Local ordinance violations
- First appearance hearings
- Arraignments
- Non-jury trials for applicable offenses
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Arizona Constitution and state statutes. The Arizona Supreme Court provides administrative oversight for all courts within the state, including those in Navajo County.
Tribal courts on the Navajo Nation and other reservations within county boundaries operate under separate sovereign authority and are not part of the state court system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Navajo County
Court dockets in Navajo County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. These records are accessible through several methods.
For Superior Court dockets:
- Visit the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup
- Select "Superior Court" as the court type
- Choose "Navajo County" from the dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
- View the register of actions (docket)
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court office
- Request the docket for a specific case
- Provide identifying information (case number preferred)
- Review the docket on public access terminals
- Request copies if needed (fees apply)
For Justice Court dockets:
- Contact the specific Justice Court where the case was filed
- Provide case information to court staff
- Request to view the docket
- Visit in person during business hours
For upcoming court hearings:
- Check the court calendar on the Navajo County Superior Court website
- Filter by judge, date, or case type
- Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance
Attorneys and registered parties may access more detailed docket information through the AZTurboCourt system, which requires registration and login credentials.
Pursuant to Rule 123 of the Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court, docket information is generally public record, though certain case types may have restricted access.
Which Courts in Navajo 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 summary records of proceedings. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record availability.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 22-201, the following Navajo County courts are not courts of record:
Justice Courts:
- Holbrook Justice Court
- Snowflake Justice Court
- Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court
- Winslow Justice Court
Municipal Courts:
- Holbrook Municipal Court
- Show Low Municipal Court
- Winslow Municipal Court
These courts typically:
- Do not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Maintain case files with written orders, judgments, and minute entries
- Record basic case information and outcomes
- May create audio recordings of proceedings (varies by court)
Appeals from these courts proceed "de novo" (new trial) to the Superior Court rather than as a review of the record, as specified in A.R.S. § 22-261.
In contrast, the Navajo County Superior Court is a court of record that:
- Creates and maintains verbatim records of all proceedings
- Employs court reporters or electronic recording systems
- Produces official transcripts upon request
- Maintains comprehensive case files
This distinction is important for litigants to understand, as it affects both the appeal process and the availability of detailed proceeding records. Appeals from courts of record are based on the existing record, while appeals from courts not of record result in entirely new proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Navajo County
Public Records Request information