Ballotpedia, Michael Valenzuela

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Michael has a bachelor's degree in political science and government, a master's of public administration degree, and a law degree from the University of Arizona. 

Michael previously worked as an assistant attorney general in the Arizona Attorney General's office. 

Michael F. Valenzuela currently serves as a Superior Court Judge in Maricopa County. He was appointed in 2022 and is serving his 1st term. 

As a superior court judge in Maricopa County for 2 years, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an assistant attorney general, Valenzuela prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the attorney general’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As an assistant attorney general with the Arizona Attorney General's Office for 11 years, represented the State of Arizona in noncapital criminal appeals and federal habeas corpus proceedings and the State Departments' of Economic Security and Child Safety in cases before the Arizona Court of Appeals and Arizona Supreme Court., supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

- As a superior court judge in Maricopa County for 2 years, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant attorney general with the Arizona Attorney General's Office for 11 years, represented the State of Arizona in noncapital criminal appeals and federal habeas corpus proceedings and the State Departments' of Economic Security and Child Safety in cases before the Arizona Court of Appeals and Arizona Supreme Court., supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

Legal Experience

As of October 15, 2024, Michael F. Valenzuela did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Michael F. Valenzuela

Michael has a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a law degree from the University of Arizona. 

Michael currently works as a Superior Court Judge. He previously worked as an assistant attorney general in the Arizona Attorney General's office. 

As an assistant attorney general, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the attorney general’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As superior court judge, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As an assistant attorney general, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the attorney general’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As superior court judge, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Superior Court, Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Judge Michael Valenzuela

Requires attorneys and litigants to treat each other and court staff with respect.

Acknowledges the stress of Family Court proceedings and emphasizes that unrepresented litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys regarding familiarity with procedures and statutes, but the court will assist with process explanations and procedural questions.

Emphasizes punctuality, stating that hearings will begin at the scheduled time regardless of whether the parties are present.

Will not accept non-emergency pleadings by email.

Prohibits combining motions with responsive pleadings.

Encourages attorneys to resolve issues before bringing them to court.

Prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from entering the courtroom unless the minor is scheduled to be interviewed by the court or their presence is required for the court proceeding.

- Requires attorneys and litigants to treat each other and court staff with respect.
- Acknowledges the stress of Family Court proceedings and emphasizes that unrepresented litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys regarding familiarity with procedures and statutes, but the court will assist with process explanations and procedural questions.
- Emphasizes punctuality, stating that hearings will begin at the scheduled time regardless of whether the parties are present.
- Will not accept non-emergency pleadings by email.
- Prohibits combining motions with responsive pleadings.
- Encourages attorneys to resolve issues before bringing them to court.
- Prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from entering the courtroom unless the minor is scheduled to be interviewed by the court or their presence is required for the court proceeding.