Superior Court

Apache County Superior Court

The superior court is the state’s general jurisdiction court. It is a single entity with locations in each county. Each county elects a superior court judge. Since 2014, the Honorable Michael Latham has served as the Presiding Superior Court Judge of Apache County.

General Power of Superior Court

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The superior court, in addition to the powers conferred by constitution, rule or statute, may proceed according to the common law.

The superior court has original jurisdiction of:

  • cases and proceedings in which exclusive jurisdiction is not vested by law in another court;
  • cases of equity and at law which involve the title to or possession of real property or the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, toll, or municipal ordinance;
  • cases in which the demand or value of property in controversy amounts to $1000 or more, exclusive of interest and costs;
  • criminal cases amounting to felony, and cases of misdemeanor not otherwise provided for by law;
  • actions of forcible entry and detainer;
  • proceedings in insolvency;
  • actions to prevent or abate nuisance;
  • matters of probate;
  • divorce and for annulment of marriage;
  • naturalization and the issuance of papers therefore;
  • special cases and proceedings not otherwise provided for; and
  • such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law.

Courtroom Rules

The court does not issue any warnings—we will remove any violators from the courtroom.

  • No talking while court is in session
  • No small children allowed in court
  • No hats or bandanas
  • Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices
  • No food or drink
  • No talking to defendants in custody
  • No shorts or tank tops
  • No sleeping

Telephonic Courtroom Appearances

You may appear in court via Zoom telephonic conference. Please be aware that you are subject to the same court rules as if you were to appear in person. Please carefully review the rules for telephonic court appearances. Your attorney will provide the Zoom call-in number or link for you.

To view Apache County Superior Court public hearings, please visit our YouTube channel.

Hearings in Apache County:

  • Judge Latham Criminal Law and Motion – Mondays and Wednesdays

Please contact your attorney for information regarding specific cases or Zoom information.

Telephonic Courtroom Decorum

All rules and standards related to courtroom decorum shall apply to the telephonic courtroom. If appearing telephonically, please be mindful of the following:

  • The court does not tolerate Interruptions during court proceedings. Before logging into the telephonic courtroom, make sure you are in a quiet location with no background noise (such as busy streets, crying children, windy locations, etc.).
  • Anyone appearing telephonically is subject to the same contempt sanctions as those appearing in person. The court receives a list of all numbers that log into the telephonic courtroom each day.
  • The telephonic courtroom is conducted on speaker phone in the actual courtroom. Do NOT place your call on hold to avoid broadcasting music on hold.
  • Remember, you are not the only person in the telephonic courtroom. Any conversation taking place while you are logged into the telephonic courtroom will be heard by all other parties logged into the telephonic courtroom and in the actual courtroom.
  • We recommend any conversations between attorney and client take place prior to logging into the telephonic courtroom.
  • It is your responsibility to call in to the appropriate conference call number at the time of your hearing. Our court staff will not track down attorneys or defendants who fail to call in at the appropriate time or to the appropriate conference call number.
  • We recommend that you log into the telephonic courtroom prior to the time your case is scheduled—just like you would arrive in person to the actual courtroom prior to your scheduled appearance time. Once you are logged into the conference call, listen for the judge to call your name and case, at which point you must notify the court of your presence in the telephonic courtroom.
  • The court calls cases in the order listed on the court calendar. If you are not present when your case is called, it will be noted on the record and the court will move on to the next matter.
  • Once your matter has been called and heard, you may disconnect from the call.

CASA of Apache County

The Apache County CASA program promotes and supports community-based volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in juvenile dependency cases. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are the only volunteers that are appointed by a judge and empowered to stand up for an abused or neglected child in court.

Become a CASA Volunteer

The children need you, the everyday citizen, to advocate and stand up on their behalf. Help us protect our most vulnerable citizens, and learn how you can help children in need.

Contact Information:
CASA of Apache County
PO Box 1222
St. Johns, Arizona 85936

P: 928-337-3552
F: 928-337-7950

Arizona Rule of Law Day 2026

Arizona Rule of Law Day will be observed statewide on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with courthouse ceremonies across Arizona marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Hosted by the Arizona Supreme Court and the State Bar of Arizona’s Rule of Law Task Force, the event will feature attorneys reaffirming their Oath of Admission, administered locally by each county’s presiding judge. The Apache County ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Superior Court in Apache County. More details are available on the AZ Courts website.

Arizona Rule of Law Day Thursday, February 12, 2026 event times vary