Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey Wednesday announced the appointment of Timothy Dickerson to the Cochise County Superior Court. The vacancy on the Cochise County Superior Court was created by the retirement of Judge Karl D. Elledge. Under the Arizona Constitution, judges of the Superior Court in counties with a population of less than 250,000 persons are elected by the voters.
When a judge retires or resigns prior to a general election, the vacancy created by the retirement or resignation is filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next general election.
Tim is currently a Justice of the Peace at Sierra Vista Justice & Municipal Court, a position he has held since 2003. During this time, he has served as Presiding Justice of the Peace for Cochise County and was awarded Justice of the Peace of the Year in 2014 by the Arizona Justice of the Peace Association.
In July 2015, Tim created Court Assisted Recovery (CARe) Court as an alternative court for persons with mental illness and substance abuse issues. CARe Court includes staffings with the prosecutor, defense counsel, judge, and treatment providers present, as well as a Veterans Administration representative for veterans. CARe Court has had positive results in the lives of several individuals and their families.
Prior to being a Justice of the Peace, Tim was in private practice handling civil, criminal, and family law matters. Tim served on active duty with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Corp at Fort Huachuca from 1984-1987, including as a part-time Military Magistrate. He then was part of the U.S. Army Reserves from 1987-1993 at Fort Huachuca.
“Tim’s military service, private practice, and time on the bench – all in Cochise County – make him well-equipped to serve the community,” said Governor Ducey. “I am pleased to appoint Tim to the Cochise County Superior Court.”
Tim graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, majoring in Accounting. He also was a 1980 ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. He then graduated from Arizona State University College of Law in the top third of his class.