Glendale's cityscape of legal administration will continue to be shaped by the hand of Judge Nicholas C. DiPiazza, following the unanimous vote by the Glendale City Council to reinstate him for another term. The seasoned jurist, with a legal career over four decades long and a robust background in the U.S. Navy, was sworn in on Tuesday with promises to press forward technological advancements within the courthouse, devote support to veterans, and promote the growth of courthouse staff, as announced by the City of Glendale official website.
According to the City of Glendale, appointed to the helm of Glendale City Court in 2020, DiPiazza's impact on the city has been substantive, marked by his initiation of a Veterans Court and the oversight of significant modernizations to the court's physical space. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding his reappointment, DiPiazza recently expressed to City Council members that he is "excited and humbled by it." Furthermore, he has declared his intention to continue leveraging technology for broader and more convenient access, a commitment to improving the court's customer service, and a focus on swift and effective case resolutions. These advancements have not gone unnoticed, as reflected in Mayor Jerry Weiers's statement: "He has consistently demonstrated he is fair, hardworking and forward-thinking."
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, DiPiazza adopted new technologies to allow for virtual court proceedings - an adaptation that has proved indispensable for the continuation of judicial duties when traditional formats were compromised.
His service extends a hand of understanding and resources to veterans facing misdemeanors, addressing root causes such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This initiative reflects not only DiPiazza’s legal acumen but also his personal history, having returned as a U.S. Navy Captain in 2004 and held diverse roles within military law enforcement and homeland security. Before donning the robes of justice, Judge DiPiazza cut his teeth as a Kings County prosecutor and later established his own law firm. Despite the City Council's confidence in his seasoned guidance, "he is not resting on his laurels," as detailed by the City of Glendale.
The Glendale City Court, part of the Arizona Judicial System, has broad jurisdiction within the city, handling an array of cases from misdemeanors to juvenile offenses. Those interested can find further details on the Glendale City Court at City Court - City of Glendale.