This guide is for anyone with a case in the Mohave County Superior Court who wants to understand how remote hearings work, what rules apply, and how to participate successfully. Whether you are a resident of Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, or live out of state, this resource will help you navigate the process of Mohave County Superior Court remote hearings, from understanding the court system to participating in a virtual hearing.
Introduction to Court Proceedings
Navigating the court system in Arizona can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time dealing with legal matters. In Mohave County, court proceedings take place in several types of courts, including municipal courts, justice courts, and the superior court. The superior court, located on Spring St in Kingman, handles a wide range of cases, from domestic violence and family law to serious criminal and civil matters. Whether you are called to court as a person charged with an offense, seeking protection through an order, or involved in a family law dispute, it’s important to understand what is expected of you.
Types of Courts in Mohave County
Mohave County includes municipal courts, justice courts, and the superior court. The superior court is the primary venue for major criminal, civil, and family law cases.
Courtroom Decorum
Every court proceeding in Mohave County is guided by principles of respect and justice. Judges expect all participants to maintain decorum—harassment, intimidation, or any form of disruption will not be tolerated. The court is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone, ensuring that each person has the opportunity to be heard and to receive fair treatment under Arizona law.
Accessing Court Resources
If you have questions about your case, need help completing forms, or are unsure about the process, attorneys and court staff are available to assist. The court offers multiple options for attending hearings, including appearing in person at the courthouse, joining by phone, or using video conferencing tools like Zoom. This flexibility is designed to make justice more accessible, whether you live in Kingman, Lake Havasu, or another part of Mohave County.
To file a request, access forms, or find information about your hearing, you can visit the court’s website, call the court by phone, or send an email. The court’s address and contact details are provided on the official website, making it easy to click through and find the resources you need from home. If you are unsure about which forms are needed or how to file them, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance—help is available to guide you through each step.
The Arizona court system is dedicated to serving the public and ensuring that justice and protection are available to all. By understanding your options and knowing where to find information, you can approach your court proceeding with confidence. Whether your case involves domestic violence, a civil dispute, or another legal matter, the superior court in Mohave County is here to help you achieve a fair and positive outcome.
Now that you have an overview of the court system, let’s look at how remote hearings can make your experience more convenient.
If you have ever had to drive from Lake Havasu City to Kingman for a 9:00 AM court hearing, you know the pain. It is an hour drive there, an hour drive back, and hours of waiting in the courthouse. That is half a day of work lost. When entering the courthouse in person, you must go through security checks and follow strict behavior protocols, which can add to the inconvenience.
Or maybe you live in Bullhead City and your case was assigned to a judge in Kingman. Or perhaps you live out of state entirely.
The geography of Mohave County is a challenge. We are the fifth-largest county in the United States by area. Driving to court isn’t just an inconvenience; it is a genuine hardship for many families.
I am Keith Knochel, and for over 30 years, I have been practicing law in these courts. I remember when you had to show up in person for everything.
But the world has changed. Since 2020, the Mohave County Superior Court has embraced technology. Today, many hearings can be handled remotely via Zoom or GoToMeeting.
However, it isn’t as simple as just logging in. There are rules. There are etiquette standards. And if you mess it up, the judge can force you to drive to Kingman anyway.
In this guide, we are going to explain exactly how remote hearings work, which types of cases qualify, and how Knochel Law Offices can help you handle your legal business without leaving your home.
Can I Really Appear by Zoom for My Court Case?
The short answer is: Yes, for many types of hearings.
The Arizona Supreme Court has encouraged the use of technology to increase access to justice. Arizona Administrative Order No. 2017-05 laid the groundwork, and local rules in Mohave County have expanded it.
Routine hearings can generally be conducted remotely without a specific motion unless they involve witnesses or evidence. For evidentiary hearings or trials, participants may request to appear or testify remotely and must receive court approval.
Hearings that are OFTEN allowed remotely:
- Status Conferences: Quick check-ins with the judge to set dates.
- Initial Appearances: The first time you see a judge after being charged.
- Family Law Resolution Management Conferences: Setting the schedule for a divorce.
- Civil Lawsuit Motions: Lawyers arguing about legal points.
Hearings that usually require IN-PERSON appearance:
- Trials: If there is a jury or witnesses testifying, you usually need to be there.
- Evidentiary Hearings: If you are testifying on the stand.
- Change of Plea / Sentencing: Judges want to look you in the eye when sentencing you for a crime (though exceptions exist).
The Golden Rule: Never assume. Unless you have a specific order or permission from the judge saying you can appear by Zoom, you must go in person. If you assume and don’t show up, a warrant could be issued.
Understanding which hearings qualify for remote appearance is the first step—next, you need to know where your case is assigned.
The Three Courthouses: Where is My Case?
Mohave County has three main Superior Court locations. Knowing which one you are assigned to is critical for finding the right Zoom link.
- Kingman (County Seat):
- Address: 401 E. Spring Street, Kingman, AZ.
- Role: This is the main hub. Most major criminal felony cases and complex civil trials start here. If you live in a smaller town, your case might still be here.
- Bullhead City:
- Address: 2225 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ.
- Role: Handles many family law and civil cases for the river communities.
- Lake Havasu City:
- Address: 2001 College Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ.
- Role: Handles cases for the southern part of the county.
When you hire Knochel Law Offices, we check the docket immediately. We know which judges prefer Zoom and which judges hate it. We handle the scheduling so you don’t end up driving to the wrong building.
Learn more about our practice areas here.
Once you know your courthouse, the next step is to find the correct Zoom link for your hearing.
How to Find the Zoom Link for Your Judge
The court does not always email you the link. You have to find it.
Remote hearings in the Mohave County Superior Court use the Zoom platform or telephonically, following state administrative orders, and Zoom meeting IDs and passcodes differ by division.
Most judges in Mohave County have a specific, permanent Zoom link assigned to their division. You can find these on the Mohave Courts website, but the site can be confusing to navigate.
The Danger of the Wrong Link: If your hearing is at 9:00 AM with Judge Gurtler in Division 4, but you log into Judge Williams’ courtroom in Division 2, you are absent. The judge in Division 4 will call your name, hear silence, and potentially issue a failure to appear.
We ensure our clients have the correct link, meeting ID, and password days before the hearing. We also do a “tech check” with you to make sure your audio works.
Once you have the correct link, it’s important to understand how to conduct yourself during the hearing.
Technical and Participation Requirements for Remote Hearings
To participate successfully in a Mohave County Superior Court remote hearing, you must meet certain technical and procedural requirements:
- Reliable Internet and Equipment: Participants must have a reliable internet connection, a camera, and a microphone, and must dress professionally.
- Submission of Digital Evidence: Any digital evidence must be submitted electronically before the hearing.
- Identification: Participants must identify themselves by full name on video.
- Hearing Protocol: Hearings are recorded, and participants must follow the judge’s instructions at all times.
- Audio/Video Controls: Participants must keep their video off and microphones muted unless they are contributing to the hearing.
- No Recording: Recording the hearing in any format is strictly forbidden by law.
Meeting these requirements ensures your hearing proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Now that you know the technical requirements, let’s review the etiquette expected during your remote court appearance.
Courtroom Etiquette on Zoom (Yes, It Matters)
Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you can wear pajamas. Judges in Kingman and Lake Havasu take their courtrooms seriously. If you disrespect the virtual court, it hurts your case.
Rules for Success:
- Dress Code: Wear what you would wear to court. A collared shirt. No tank tops. No hats.
- The Background: Check what is behind you. A messy kitchen or a poster with offensive language will anger the judge. Sit in front of a blank wall if possible.
- No Driving: NEVER log into court while driving a car. Judges hate this. It is distracted driving, and they will order you to pull over or disconnect immediately.
- Mute Button: Keep yourself muted until the judge talks to you. Background noise (dogs barking, TV) disrupts the record.
- Your Name: Make sure your Zoom screen name is your actual name (e.g., “John Smith”), not “iPhone 12” or “PartyGuy88.”
Following these etiquette rules will help you make a positive impression and avoid unnecessary complications.
If you are concerned about appearing alone, there are options for hybrid participation.
The “Hybrid” Option: When Your Lawyer Goes for You
This is the best option for many of our clients.
If you hire Knochel Law Offices, we can often appear physically in the courtroom while you appear remotely by Zoom.
Why is this better?
- We handle the paperwork: We can hand documents directly to the judge or prosecutor.
- We read the room: We can see the judge’s body language and the prosecutor’s mood, which is hard to do on a screen.
- You save the trip: You get the benefit of a lawyer in the room without the 4-hour round-trip drive from Havasu to Kingman.
For routine hearings, we can often file a Motion to Waive Presence, meaning you don’t even have to log in. We handle it, and call you afterwards with an update.
This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds—convenience and in-person advocacy.
What If I Have Technical Difficulties?
It happens. The internet cuts out. The audio fails. If you are representing yourself, this is a panic moment. The judge might think you hung up on them.
If you have a lawyer, we are your safety net.
- If your Zoom drops, we are still on the line (or in the room).
- We can tell the judge, “Your Honor, my client is having technical issues, please give us a moment.”
- We protect you from getting a Failure to Appear warrant just because your WiFi blinked.
Having a lawyer present—virtually or physically—can prevent technical issues from derailing your case.
Do I Need Permission to Appear Remotely?
Yes. For most hearings, you cannot just decide to use Zoom. You must file a Motion to Appear Telephonically/Video in advance.
The judge has to approve it.
- If you live in Kingman, they might say “No, come in.”
- If you live in Bullhead or out of state, they usually say “Yes.”
We file these motions as standard procedure for our clients to give you the flexibility you need.
Understanding the permission process is crucial—next, let’s discuss why having a local lawyer is an advantage for remote hearings.
Why You Need a Local Lawyer for Remote Hearings
Technology is great, but it has limits. If you hire a lawyer from Phoenix who tries to handle everything by Zoom, they miss the “hallway conversations” with the prosecutor where deals get made.
At Knochel Law Offices, we are physically present in Bullhead City, Kingman, and Lake Havasu.
- We know the clerks.
- We know the bailiffs.
- We can be in the courtroom in minutes if the judge demands it.
A fully remote lawyer is at a disadvantage. A local lawyer who uses remote technology is an asset.
Contact us today to discuss your case.
Key Takeaways
- Not Automatic: You usually need permission (a Motion) to appear by Zoom.
- Know Your Judge: Each division has a different link. Being in the wrong “room” counts as an absence.
- Dress for Success: Treat the Zoom call like a physical courtroom. No driving, no eating.
- Hybrid Defense: The best strategy is often you on Zoom, and us in the room.
- Tech Failure Protection: Having a lawyer saves you if your internet crashes during a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mohave County Remote Court
Can I do my divorce hearing on Zoom?
For the initial scheduling conferences, yes. For the final trial where you testify about assets or custody, the judge often prefers you in person to judge your credibility.
Is GoToMeeting the same as Zoom?
They are different apps. Mohave County historically used GoToMeeting but has transitioned largely to Zoom. Check your hearing notice carefully to see which platform is required.
What if I don’t have a computer?
You can use a smartphone app. If you don’t have a smartphone, most judges allow you to call in via a regular phone number (audio only), though video is preferred.
Can I record the hearing on my computer?
NO. It is illegal to record court proceedings without permission. The court reporter creates the official record. Recording it yourself can get you held in contempt.
How early should I log in?
We recommend logging in 10-15 minutes early. You will likely be in a “Waiting Room” until the judge lets you in.
Can I have a friend with me on the call?
Unless they are a witness, hearings are generally public, so they can watch. However, they should remain silent and off-camera if possible to avoid distractions.
What if the judge orders me to appear in person?
Then you must go. Ignoring that order will result in a warrant. We can try to argue for remote appearance, but the judge has the final say.
Can I attend court from work?
Only if you have a private room. If you are in a busy office or on a job site with background noise, the judge will not be happy.
Do I need to be in Arizona to use Zoom?
No. That is the beauty of it. You can be in Nevada, California, or anywhere in the world.
Why Knochel Law Offices?
Because we bridge the gap. We use technology to save you time, but we have the physical presence in Mohave County to back it up when it matters.
Save the Drive. Save the Stress.
You have enough to worry about with your legal case. You shouldn’t have to worry about a 2-hour commute through the desert.
At Knochel Law Offices, we make the court process as convenient as possible for our clients in Kingman, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu.
Visit our website to learn more.
Call us today. Let’s get you connected and protected.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
