---
title: "Maria Elena Cruz | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/maria-elena-cruz-az-supreme"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-09"
---

# Maria Elena Cruz

Arizona Supreme Court · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Arizona Supreme Court
- State: Arizona
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Justice, Arizona Supreme Court, 2025-present

### Education

- University of Arizona College of Law — J.D. (2001)
- University of Arizona — B.A. (1998)
- Arizona Western College

### Additional information

- Recognition includes the Ruth V. McGregor Award (Arizona Women Lawyers Association, 2026).
- Recognition includes the Guiding Light Award (Arizona Black Bar, 2025).
- Recognition includes the Exemplary Service Award (Los Abogados, 2025).
- Birth place: Puerto Rico

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### digital evidence portal

Scope: statewide

Arizona's digital-evidence portal supports invited parties in participating courts to upload, review, manage, and share case exhibits for virtual or in-person hearings.

Evidence excerpt: The digital evidence portal provides convenient 24/7 online access to upload, review, and manage exhibits in a case to which a party has been invited.

[Arizona Digital Evidence](https://www.azcourts.gov/digitalevidence)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing local orders

Scope: statewide

Arizona requires each Superior, Justice, and Municipal Court to issue a local remote-hearing administrative order. The applicable county or court order controls scheduling and technology requirements.

Evidence excerpt: The Arizona Supreme Court also mandated that each Superior, Justice, and Municipal Court issue a local administrative order based on these recommendations, with modifications as necessary due to technology or staffing limitations.

[Local Administrative Orders Regarding Virtual Hearings](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Court-Services-Home/Local-Administrative-Orders-Regarding-Virtual-Hearings)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote appearances and evidence

Scope: statewide

Arizona remote appearances depend on the assigned judge and court. Parties should provide the court with evidence, documents, photos, or proof needed for the remote hearing using the court's directions.

Evidence excerpt: Depending on the judge and court, hearings can be scheduled as in person or remote appearances.

[Remote Court Appearances](https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Resources/Remote-Court-Appearances)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.azcourts.gov/meetthejustices/Justice-Maria-Elena-Cruz)
- [Official roster](https://www.azcourts.gov/meetthejustices/Justice-Maria-Elena-Cruz)
- [Arizona Supreme Court official judicial roster](https://www.azcourts.gov/meetthejustices/Justice-Maria-Elena-Cruz)
- [Arizona Digital Evidence](https://www.azcourts.gov/digitalevidence)
- [Local Administrative Orders Regarding Virtual Hearings](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtservices/Court-Services-Home/Local-Administrative-Orders-Regarding-Virtual-Hearings)
- [Remote Court Appearances](https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Resources/Remote-Court-Appearances)
- [Wikidata: Maria Elena Cruz](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131968946)
- [Meet the Justices](https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Supreme-Court/Meet-the-Justices)
- [Justice Maria Elena Cruz](https://www.azcourts.gov/meetthejustices/Justice-Maria-Elena-Cruz)
- [Wikidata: Maria Elena Cruz](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131968946)

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