Arizona

Criminal Procedure

Rule 4.3 – Initial Appearance Masters

(a)Appointment. A county’s presiding judge may appoint one or more masters to conduct initial appearances under Rule 4. Masters under this rule have a one-year term and may be reappointed for additional terms.
(b)Compensation. The presiding judge will set masters’ compensation, which will be paid from any available funding source the presiding judge identifies.
(c)Qualifications and Training. The presiding judge will determine whether an individual has sufficient education and work experience to conduct initial appearances as a master under this rule. Masters do not need to be members of the State Bar of Arizona. Before assignment, a master must successfully complete relevant training regarding the law, procedures, and judicial conduct. Masters must receive annual training concerning changes in relevant statutes, rules, and case law.
(d)Authority and Assignment. The master’s authority is limited to conducting initial appearances. Presiding judges may assign masters only if no justice of the peace, magistrate, or judge pro tempore is reasonably available to conduct initial appearances.

Ariz. R. Crim. P. 4.3

Added August 31, 2017, effective January 1, 2018.