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title: “Understanding Gilbert Court & Arrest Records”

description: “A guide to Arizona criminal charge levels, felony vs misdemeanor jurisdictions, and how to access Gilbert police records.”

layout: “simple”

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# Arizona Criminal Charges: A Quick Guide

If you or someone you know has been arrested in Gilbert, it is important to understand how the Arizona legal system classifies charges and where the cases are heard.

## Municipal vs. Superior Court

* **Gilbert Municipal Court:** This is a court of limited jurisdiction. It primarily handles **misdemeanors**, civil traffic violations, and city code infractions that occur within the Town of Gilbert.

* **Maricopa County Superior Court:** This court handles more serious cases, specifically **felonies**. If a case is classified as an F1 through F6, it will typically be heard at the Superior Court level in downtown Phoenix or Mesa.

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## Levels of Offenses in Arizona

### Felonies (Serious Offenses)

Felonies are the most serious crimes and carry potential prison time in the Arizona Department of Corrections.

* **Class 1 (F1):** The most serious (e.g., First and Second Degree Murder).

* **Class 2 (F2):** (e.g., Sexual Assault, Armed Robbery).

* **Class 3 (F3):** (e.g., Aggravated Assault, large-scale theft).

* **Class 4 (F4):** (e.g., Possession of Narcotic Drugs, Forgery).

* **Class 5 (F5):** (e.g., Pimping, some Stalking offenses).

* **Class 6 (F6):** The least serious felony (e.g., Possession of Drug Paraphernalia). *Note: Some F6 charges can be “wobblers,” meaning a judge can reduce them to a misdemeanor.*

### Misdemeanors (Heard in Gilbert Municipal Court)

Misdemeanors carry a maximum of 6 months in county jail.

* **Class 1 (M1):** The most serious misdemeanor (e.g., DUI, Assault, Domestic Violence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia).

* **Class 2 (M2):** (e.g., Reckless Driving, Criminal Trespass).

* **Class 3 (M3):** The least serious (e.g., Excessive Speeding, Loitering).

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## Aggravating vs. Mitigating Factors

Arizona judges use a “presumptive” sentencing model, but the actual sentence can change based on the circumstances of the case:

* **Aggravating Factors (Harsher Sentence):** Factors that make the crime “worse” in the eyes of the law. Examples include using a deadly weapon, committing the crime for financial gain, or having a prior criminal record.

* **Mitigating Factors (Lighter Sentence):** Factors that may show the defendant deserves leniency. Examples include being a first-time offender, showing true remorse, or having a minor role in the crime.

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## How to Get Police Records in Gilbert

This website provides **court records**, which are separate from **police reports**. If you need a copy of an actual arrest report, body cam footage, or an accident report, you must contact the **Gilbert Police Department Records Section** directly.

* **Request Online:** Via the Gilbert JustFOIA portal.

* **In Person:** 75 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296.

* **Fees:** Standard police reports usually cost $5.00.