Court records in Cochise County, Arizona can be searched through several channels. CochiseCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the Arizona Public Access Case Lookup, the Clerk of the Superior Court office, and public terminals located inside the courthouse in Bisbee.
Cochise Court System & Jurisdictions
Cochise County operates two levels of court, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court holds jurisdiction over a case determines where to search for docket information.
Superior Court
The Cochise County Superior Court is the general-jurisdiction trial court. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases — all felony charges filed in the county
- Civil cases — lawsuits exceeding the Justice Court monetary limit (currently $10,000)
- Family court matters — divorce and dissolution, child custody, child support, orders of protection, and paternity
- Probate and mental health — the Clerk of the Superior Court also serves as the Probate Registrar
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and dependency matters (records are generally sealed)
The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains all Superior Court records, including civil, domestic, criminal, juvenile, and probate filings.
Justice Courts & Municipal Courts
Cochise County has several Justice Court precincts that handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes up to $10,000 (small claims fall within this limit)
- Traffic violations and civil traffic matters
- Eviction (forcible detainer) actions
- Orders of protection at the limited-jurisdiction level
Municipal courts in cities such as Sierra Vista, Bisbee, and Douglas handle city ordinance violations and traffic offenses occurring within their boundaries. For a broader overview of the Cochise County court system, visit the county's Court Services page.
Cochise Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar in Cochise County depends on the court level:
- Arizona Public Access Case Lookup — The statewide Public Access portal covers cases from most Arizona courts, including Cochise County courts. Search by party name or case number to view scheduled hearing dates.
- eAccess — Arizona's eAccess system provides 24/7 online access to Superior Court case records for civil and criminal cases filed on or after July 1, 2010. Calendar entries and minute entries are typically viewable here.
- In-person inquiry — Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court or the relevant Justice Court directly. Public terminals at the courthouse in Bisbee allow walk-in searches of upcoming hearing schedules.
- Cochise County website — The Courts page provides contact information for individual courts within the county.
Court calendars for family and juvenile matters may have restricted public visibility. Ask the clerk whether a specific hearing date is publicly listed before visiting.
How to Get a Copy of a Cochise Court Document
The Clerk of the Superior Court handles requests for copies of court documents, including criminal records, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and civil case filings. Cochise County offers three ways to request copies of court documents:
Request Channels
- Online — Submit a request through the Clerk's online application on the county website.
- By mail — Download and complete the Request for Court Records form (PDF) from the county website, then mail it to the Clerk's office.
- In person — Visit the courthouse and fill out the request form at the counter.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They are useful for personal reference but are not accepted for most legal proceedings.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal filings, immigration matters, and official transactions.
Clerk of the Superior Court — Mailing Address
When requesting by mail, include the case number (if known), full names of the parties, the type of document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Enclose the appropriate fee payment.
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, adoption records, and certain sealed cases are not available to the general public. Mental health records and records subject to a court sealing order also have access restrictions.
Cochise Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Cochise County are set by Arizona statute and the Clerk's fee schedule. The following table reflects commonly requested services. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $26.00 |
| Search fee (per name/case searched) | $26.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $52.00 |
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-284 and Clerk of the Superior Court fee schedule. Fees are subject to change.
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, or money order payable to "Clerk of the Superior Court"
- By mail — Check or money order only
- Online — The county's online payment portal accepts payments for certain court-related services, including traffic tickets and court fees
If you are unsure of the total cost, contact the Clerk's office before submitting a request by mail. Overpayments by check are generally refunded; underpayments will delay processing.
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