Making a Complaint about an Arizona Judge
Anyone can file a complaint against a judge. Click on complaint form for the Commission's official complaint form. A letter will be treated as a complaint if it contains the information required on the official form. There is no charge for filing a complaint.
The complaint form is a fillable form that can be saved as a PDF and sent to the Commission as an attachment to an email message, but is only fully compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE). The form can also be printed, filled in by hand, and mailed to the Commission at the address listed on the form.
A complaint consists of a statement of facts describing the judge’s alleged misconduct and listing the names of witnesses who can verify the facts. The complainant is not required to provide court files, but may attach copies of documents he or she believes may help the Commission understand the complaint.
All complaints are numbered and screened in the order in which they are received. The Commission's investigation may take several months, depending on the complexity of the matter and current caseloads.
The Commission accepts electronically submitted complaints where the complainant uses the Commission's complaint form, attaches a PDF copy of that form to an e-mail, and sends the e-mail to the Commission at [email protected] Staff may reject electronically submitted complaints that do not meet these criteria and require resubmission in the foregoing format.
The complainant and the judge will be notified by mail of the Commission's decision at the conclusion of the investigation. If either disagrees with the decision, he or she may file a motion for reconsideration within fifteen days of the mailing of the Commission's order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the Commission's complaint form?
The Commission's complaint form should be used, if possible, but a letter is acceptable as long as it contains all of the information requested on the complaint form.
Will my identity be revealed to the judge?
As a general rule, yes. The Commission notifies judges about complaints unless there is good reason to withhold this information.
Will my complaint be made public?
If your complaint results in discipline or formal charges, your name and the judge’s name will be made public. If the complaint is dismissed, however, your name and the judge’s name (as well as other identifying information) will be removed from the documents available for public review.
Will filing a complaint with the Commission change the decision in my case?
No. Commission proceedings have no effect on judicial decisions or appeals.
Will my complaint automatically disqualify the judge from further involvement in my case?
No. Filing a complaint does not automatically disqualify a judge from hearing a case.
Should I wait to hear from the Commission before I appeal my case?
No. The time allowed for an appeal may expire, and the Commission cannot grant extensions for filing appeals.
Does the Commission act on all complaints?
Yes. Every complaint is reviewed by the Commission's professional staff, as well as by Commission members.
If my complaint is justified, will the Commission tell me how the judge was disciplined?
Yes. A copy of the order containing the Commission's decision will be sent to you at the close of the case.
If I have a question about the Commission's jurisdiction or procedures, is there someone I can talk to?
Commission staff can provide general information about the Commission and the process used in investigating and resolving complaints. Commission staff cannot provide legal advice, offer an opinion about whether to file a complaint, or advise whether particular conduct constitutes judicial misconduct. The Commission members, not staff, decide what action to take on a complaint. Commission staff can be reached at 602-452-3200.
Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct
1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 229
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 452-3200
Email us at [email protected]