2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §22-311  Commencement of action; arrest or summons; examination of witnesses

A. All proceedings and actions before justice of the peace courts for public offenses of which such courts have jurisdiction shall be commenced by complaint, under oath, setting forth the offense charged, with such particulars of time, place, person and property as to enable defendant to understand distinctly the character of the offense complained of and to answer the complaint.

B. If the justice of the peace is satisfied that the offense complained of was committed by the person charged, he shall issue a summons or a warrant of arrest. Before issuing a summons or warrant of arrest on a complaint the justice may subpoena and examine witnesses as to the truth of the complaint.