I can't say anyone ever actually recommends a courthouse. It's that place you try to avoid if…read morepossible.
I made it to almost 40 years old without getting a ticket until last month, and lemme tell you, it was a strange experience. That's not to say I probably shouldn't have been ticketed once or twice, but still... I feel it was an impressive feat.
I arrived to the courthouse in Downtown Chandler an hour early on a warm, sunny day (whoever says it's fall lied to you; the high today was 100° F) in a spacious parking lot with covers, trees, and well kept municipal buildings.
Inside, you go through security not unlike the airport, and check in. I've never been to court, and I don't know if security was amused or felt sorry for me (my ticket told me my court appearance was at 3:00 pm/15:00, but you still have to get a ticket at the kiosk), but the man came to my rescue and helped me choose the right option.
I noticed immediately I was VERY overdressed in my Sunday best: a blue dress with white polka dots, little white platform pumps, makeup, earrings, and necklace. Everyone else wore jeans, making me question my decision to dress up (I thought that's what you were supposed to do).
The lobby was very clean though. Also, you don't know how hard it is to covertly sneak a picture and hope no one will chastise you for taking pictures. I don't recommend trying it in the actual courtrooms though. I'm not that bold.
Waiting wasn't too different from the MVD except the process moves WAY faster, and the customer service representatives at the window are super friendly. I presented my kiosk slip, my ticket, my registration, and a dated receipt of the registration. In return, I filled out a form with my name, case number, what I wanted from the judge, and the reason I felt the motion should be granted.
Went to the courtroom upstairs and waited my turn. It was kind of warm, but I don't know if that's because the temperature was high, I was nervous, or that I've had hot flashes since I was 28 years old. All three could be a possibility.
My conversation with the judge consisted of two questions and lasted less than thirty seconds. Then a decision was made, and I was on my merry way.
So was it a good experience? Ehhhh, going gave me horrible anxiety. BUT the staff did make an uncomfortable situation better for me, so thank you to the City of Chandler for your hospitality!
P.S. the moral of the story is to not get a ticket if you don't want to go to traffic court.