Apache County DUI Bail Guide
Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
DUI Bail Amounts
| Offense | Bail |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | $500 – $1,000 |
| 2nd Offense | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Felony (3rd+) | $10,000+ |
| With Child | $10,000+ |
Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10% (non-refundable).
How Bail Bonds Work
The Process
Contact a bondsman
Available 24/7
Pay 10% fee
Non-refundable
Bondsman posts bail
They guarantee the court
You're released
Must attend all court dates
Co-Signer Warning
If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.
- 100% liable for full bail amount
- Collateral (house, car) can be seized
- Cannot cancel once signed
Release Timeline
Booking
2-8 hrsFingerprints, photos, background check
Arraignment
24-48 hrsJudge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hrsPaperwork signed, fee paid
Release
2-6 hrsProperty returned
Booking
2-8 hours
Fingerprints, photos, background check
Arraignment
24-48 hours
Judge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hours
Paperwork signed
Release
2-6 hours
Property returned
Total: 12-48 Hours
Weekends and holidays take longer.
FAQ
The Apache County Jail in St. Johns serves as the central booking facility for DUI arrestees, regardless of where in the county the arrest occurred (excluding minor tribal offenses).
DUI Bail Amounts in Apache County
Standard DUI bail in Apache County typically ranges from $500 to $2,500 for misdemeanor DUI, the specific amount depending on the driver's BAC level and prior DUI history. Felony or Aggravated DUI charges often result in a significantly higher bond, potentially $10,000 or more, or even denial of bail until an Initial Appearance before a judge.
Where to Post Bail
All state DUI arrestees are booked into the Apache County Jail located in St. Johns. The jail processes releases 24/7, but it's critical to be aware of the daily lockdown schedule from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. No releases are processed during this time.
Local Bond Options & Payment Methods
In Apache County, a Bond Schedule allows for release based on pre-set amounts for specific charges when a judge is unavailable (nights and weekends). Payment methods include:
- Kiosk: A kiosk in the jail lobby accepts cash and credit cards for inmate accounts.
- Bondsmen: Using a bondsman is often necessary due to high bail amounts for Aggravated DUI; the bondsman typically charges a 10% premium.
- Remote Posting: Out-of-county families can sometimes post bond via credit card phone systems, but this must be verified with the jail shift supervisor.
Release Timeline & the "Release Gap"
Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.1 requires an Initial Appearance within 24 hours of arrest. In Apache County, this is generally done via video arraignment. However, the most severe logistical challenge in Apache County is the dislocation of the defendant upon release.
For example, if someone is arrested in Sanders on Friday night and transported to St. Johns, they could bond out Saturday morning, but be stranded in St. Johns without a phone, a ride, or access to their vehicle impounded in Winslow or Sanders. Therefore, families must coordinate pickup directly at the St. Johns jail. Rideshare options are virtually non-existent in St. Johns.
To coordinate pickup at the jail, call the St. Johns Jail at (928) 337-4321. Verify bail amount and remember the 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM lockdown.
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