In any action for a prosecution involving a dangerous crime against children, the state may file a certificate stating that the case is of special public importance. The clerk shall immediately furnish a copy of the certificate to the chief judge of the superior court in the county in which the action is pending and, after receiving the copy, the chief judge shall immediately designate a judge to hear and determine the action. The judge designated shall, consistent with the rules of criminal procedure, expedite the action and the action shall take precedence over prosecution of any other proceeding.
A.R.S. § 13-123