Glendale's legal landscape is set to welcome a familiar figure to its judiciary branch, as the City Council announced its unanimous decision to appoint Chad Heywood as a new City Judge for the Glendale City Court. Heywood's elevation to this position comes after a stint starting in January as the Glendale Court Hearing Officer and serving as a Judge Pro Tempore since July 2024. His extensive track record in various legal roles throughout the state made him resonated with Mayor Jerry Weiers and the council members, securing his appointment, which begins on October 16.
Interlocking his deep roots in the community with his legal services, Heywood has an extensive background. Having graduated from Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, he also worked managing firm operations at the Riggs, Ellsworth & Porter Law Firm, followed by a term as Deputy County Attorney for the Pinal County Attorney's Office, conducting several felony and DUI trials. Heywood told Glendaleaz.gov, "With the opportunity that I had to be a Judge Pro Tem, I saw the culture Glendale had and it was an environment I wanted to be in." He emphasized his future court focus would be on ensuring "everyone has equal access to justice and has the ability to be heard and present what they want to in the court."
The city court, as a branch of the Arizona Judicial System, deals primarily with criminal misdemeanors, city code violations, and some juvenile offenses within Glendale's purview. Besides judging cases, it issues protective orders and has authority over search warrants for felonies and misdemeanors. Glendale's Mayor Weiers was effusive in his confidence in the court system's strength under Presiding Judge Nicholas DiPiazza's leadership, expressing his pride in the appointment of Heywood and the reappointment of Judge Jack Pritt. "I’m proud to welcome Judge Chad Heywood to the Glendale City Court," Weiers said, as described on Glendaleaz.gov.
Heywood's involvement with the Glendale Mental Health Court is a testament to his commitment to offering assistance to those entangled in the criminal justice system due to mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. In addition to his new role, Heywood has taught legal classes as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University, bringing a scholastic perspective to his practical experience. For those looking to familiarize themselves with the functions and services of the Glendale City Court, detailed information is available at the City Court's online portal.
