State of Arizona Ex Rel R Romley v. Hon Ballinger

OPINION

JONES, Chief Justice.

¶ 1 This case presents the question whether Maricopa County Superior Court Administrative Order (“AO”) No.2003-079 (including its amended version) constitutes a local rule of court. The AO in question, applicable in all criminal cases, establishes a procedure by which every criminal defendant may seek expedited review of a motion to modify pretrial release conditions. We conclude the AO creates a rule of court. That being the case, Rule 36 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure requires pre-approval of this court. Because it was not pre-approved, we vacate the…