Justice of the PeaceEvery county has justice courts presided over by a Justice of the Peace. Each court has one justice of the peace and one constable. Justice courts primarily deal in small claims cases for $10,000 or less. They handle misdemeanor crimes, protective orders, evictions, traffic infractions (including DUIs), and smaller-dollar civil matters, including shoplifting and writing bad checks. The number of justices in a county depends on the population. Justices do not need to be attorneys or have any specific education. 4-year term.Why you should care:Due to the nature of the offenses they adjudicate, many people will have some interaction with one of their county justices of the peace. Justice courts also hear many non-criminal civil disputes, where there are often no attorneys; in these cases, the justice of the peace will interact directly with the residents.For additional information:https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Courts/Justice-CourtsJuez de PazCada condado tiene tribunales de justicia presididos por un Juez de Paz. Cada tribunal tiene un juez de paz y un agente de policía. Los tribunales de justicia se ocupan principalmente de casos de reclamos por $10,000 o menos. Se encargan de crímenes menores, órdenes de protección, desalojos, infracciones de tránsito (incluidas infracciones por consumo de alcohol) y asuntos civiles de menor valor, incluidos hurtos en tiendas y emisión de cheques sin fondos. El número de jueces en un condado depende de la población. Los jueces no necesitan ser abogados ni tener ninguna educación específica. Plazo de 4 años.Por qué debería importarle:Debido a la naturaleza de los delitos que juzgan, muchas personas tendrán alguna interacción con uno de los jueces de paz de su condado. Los tribunales de justicia también ven muchas disputas civiles no penales, donde a menudo no hay abogados; en estos casos, el juez de paz interactúa directamente con los vecinos.Para información adicional:https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Courts/Justice-Courts
Qualifications and Experience
Served as a Judge since 2012
Community Service
Mesa City Council and Vice Mayor. Numerous boards over the years including Mesa United Way
Occupation
Justice Of The Peace
Education
MCC, ASU, Devry Institute of Technology
Lifetime of interacting with people. Public service and leadership experience. Judicial training and over a decade of serving on the bench.
At our recent Judicial Conference we had much discussion about public perception and providing better access to justice. People need to feel they are being heard, respected and treated fairly.
Regardless of my personal feelings, I must follow the law as it is written. All parties must be treated equally. Whenever there is room for discretion (not mandatory sentencing) I try to consider what is fair and still maintain Justice.
Public Policy Priorities
A strong foundation for a Justice Court is built on clear communication, accessibility and empowerment. As justice of the peace, I believe it is crucial to have the voice and conscience to keep the public and individuals well-informed about their rights and the workings of the court. This includes providing accessible resources such as brochures, pamphlets and other information to help the community advocate for themselves. I am running for justice of the peace because my core values are fairness, resourcefulness and community-centered service. My commitment is to reclaim our Justice Court for the people it serves, re-establishing it as "The People’s Court." This vision means transforming the court into a true resource hub for our community
Qualifications and Experience
Kiana Maria Sears is a skilled public policy professional and has expertise in legislative proceedings, rulemaking, nonprofit leadership, education, public-private sector partnerships, and energy regulation. She holds several certifications and degrees, including a Master of Public Administration from ASU. Kiana is passionate about addressing key national issues, particularly K-12 public education, economic development, & climate change. She previously served as an Executive Consultant for the Arizona Corporation Commission and has been actively involved in national boards and commissions over the past two decades. She is now concluding her second term on the Mesa Public Schools Board, continuing her dedication to public service & advocacy
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
NAACP, Mesa School Board Governing Board Member
Endorsements
AZ NOW, Working Families Party
Community Service
Mesa School Board Member, Americorps, ABE/GED Instructor
Occupation
Director of Community Connections
Education
Master of Public Administration, BA Human Communication
I believe I am the most qualified candidate for the position of justice of the peace because of my extensive experience as a community leader and advocate for equality. I have been at the forefront of addressing crucial issues that affect all people, including fair housing, healthcare access and disparities, education inequities, and combating discrimination in all its forms, particularly within the East Valley. My active community involvement includes serving on our school board, working with local nonprofits, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and overseeing the budget of one of the largest organizations in our area. This breadth of experience has equipped me with the skills, knowledge and dedication necessary to serve our community effectively and justly. As justice of the peace, I will continue to advocate for fairness and equality, ensuring that our court system works for everyone.
The eviction process in Maricopa County fails to prioritize the fundamental right to housing and neglects the investment people make to secure a home. It does not consider the essential role that stable housing plays in the physical, mental and psychological well-being of individuals and vulnerable children. It overlooks the harm caused to vulnerable children, including the disruption of their education and the long-term negative effects on their well-being. The McKinney-Vento Act is designed to support homeless children and youth, should be included and offered in eviction proceedings.This process lacks discretion and fails to recognize the rights and contributions of renters. It does not provide sufficient time for renters to find new housing when an eviction notice is issued, nor does it take into account the financial burden of relocation. The current system does not provide a clearly defined timetable or pre-prescribed steps that balance the interest of both landlords and tenants.
When making sentencing decisions, I would consider multiple factors to ensure justice is fair and balanced. First, I would ensure I have all available information about the case and that both parties understand the resources available to present their case. Next, I will listen. I will take into account the age of the individual, as adolescents are still developing and their decision-making is often misguided and misinformed. I would carefully evaluate the severity of the situation, seeing the person as a whole—their background, life circumstances, and potential for positive change. The severity of the offense must guide the decision, ensuring the punishment fits the harm caused. Lastly, my goal is to help make the injured party whole through restitution or other forms of redress, while focusing on accountability, community safety, and the chance for both individuals to be treated with fairness and dignity.
