Judge David M. Haws appointed to presiding judge for Yuma County

The Arizona Supreme Court said it has appointed Judge David M. Haws to the post of Presiding Judge for Yuma County. He succeeded Presiding Judge Maria Elena Cruz, who was selected to serve on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals and began earlier this week. The Presiding Judge has administrative authority over all courts, judicial officers, and court employees in Yuma County.
According to a press release sent Friday, Judge Haws has served the Superior Court in Yuma County since his appointment to the bench in March 2012 handling civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases. Judge Haws has served as Associate Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in Yuma County since December 2014. Judge Haws will serve as Presiding Judge until June 30 , 2019.
“I am proud to part of the Yuma County Superior Court. I have practiced law in this court for virtually my entire professional career. I am very proud of our court and its excellent reputation around the state,” Judge Haws said. “I am excited to serve as the new Presiding Judge and will work hard to make sure that our court continues to be a model of fairness and efficiency. I will also strive to assure that access to justice is available to all of the residents of Yuma County.”
Presiding Judges in Arizona take on extra duties and serve as the chief executive officer of the courts in the county, overseeing all aspects of court business, including financial management. The Presiding Judge oversees case assignments and helps set the court calendar. They also monitor the performance of the courts to ensure that cases are processed in a timely manner. Judge Haws will receive no additional compensation for his duties and responsibilities as Presiding Judge.

Before joining the Superior Court, Judge Haws worked as a criminal prosecutor for more than 20 years at the Yuma County Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor, he gained valuable jury trial experience. Judge Haws began his legal career as an associate at the Phoenix office of Fennemore Craig, where he handled civil and criminal litigation.
Judge Haws has been active in his community volunteering as a coach for youth basketball and baseball in the City of Yuma for many years. Additionally, he serves as a Board Member for the Housing Authority of the City of Yuma, an organization that helps low-income individuals find affordable housing. He also serves as a Board Member for Hospice of Yuma.
Judge Haws graduated with honors from J. Reuben Clarke Law School in 1989 and received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in 1986.