Apache County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Apache County.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
Apache County Criminal Justice Center
About the Apache County Court System
The Apache County judicial system is bifurcated: County Criminal Courts at Law (16 courts) handle misdemeanor DUI cases (first/second offenses), while Criminal District Courts (20+ courts) handle felony charges (third offense, child passenger, injury, or death). The CJC houses both - misdemeanor courts on mid-rise floors, felony courts on high-rise floors.
Critical: Do NOT Do These Things
Warrant issued immediately
Anything you say can be used against you
Can be used as evidence
Additional criminal charges
Bail revoked, returned to jail
Others can be subpoenaed to testify
Security Screening & Prohibited Items
What to Expect
- Metal detector screening (remove belt, watch)
- Bag/purse X-ray scanning
- Allow 15-20 minutes for security
- Typical wait: 1-3 hours once inside
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Pepper spray or mace
- Large bags or backpacks
- Food or drinks (water OK)
Court Day Checklist
Required Documents
Day-Of Reminders
Tip: Screenshot or print this checklist. Check items off as you prepare the night before.
How DUI Cases Move Through Court
1. Arraignment
First appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges
- Enter plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date scheduled
What to Know:
- Most plead Not Guilty initially
- Attorney will advise on plea
- Write down next court date
- Request public defender if needed
2. Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months. Your attorney handles most of this.
What Your Attorney Does:
3. Plea Bargain or Trial
Over 90% of cases resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced charges possible
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Known outcome
Trial (Rare ~5%)
- Jury decides guilt
- Higher risk/reward
- Takes 6-12+ months
- More expensive
4. Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties. First offense usually means probation.
Common Outcomes (1st Offense):
Related Apache County Guides
The operational landscape for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) defense and survival in Apache County, Arizona, constitutes a unique matrix of challenges that distinguishes it sharply from metropolitan jurisdictions.
DWI Court Procedures in Apache County, Arizona
This guide provides information about what to expect as you navigate the Apache County court system after a DUI arrest.
Initial Appearance
Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.1 requires an Initial Appearance within 24 hours of arrest. In Apache County, this is strictly adhered to, often via video link from the St. Johns jail to remote Justice Courts (Round Valley, Puerco, Northstar).
Bail and Release
Standard DUI Bail is typically set between $500 and $2,500 for misdemeanor DUI, depending on BAC level and prior history. For Felony/Aggravated DUI, bail is often set significantly higher ($10,000+) or denied until an Initial Appearance before a judge. The Apache County Jail is located in St. Johns.
The "Release Gap" Logistics
A driver might be arrested in Sanders (I-40) on a Friday night and transported 50 miles south to St. Johns. If they bond out on Saturday morning, they are released onto the streets of St. Johns. Their vehicle is impounded in Winslow or Sanders (50-80 miles away), and their cell phone is likely dead or seized as evidence. There is no public transit connecting St. Johns to Sanders or Chinle, and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is virtually non-existent. Families must coordinate pickup directly at the St. Johns jail.
Diversion
Contact the Apache County Attorney's Office to inquire about diversion eligibility for first-time offenders.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
If convicted, or to obtain a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL), an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is required. In Apache County, finding an installer is a logistical hurdle.
Action Plan: The First 48 Hours
Hour 0-4 (Arrest): Note the arresting agency (NPD vs. ACSO). Accept the Admin Per Se affidavit (Yellow Sheet).
Hour 4-24 (Detention): Family must call St. Johns Jail (928) 337-4321. Verify bail amount. Be aware of the 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM lockdown. Coordinate pickup at the jail (no Uber/Lyft available).
Hour 24-48 (Recovery): Call St. Johns PD or ACSO to locate the vehicle on the rotation list. Go to the police station first to pay the $150 admin fee.
The Apache County Jail phone number is (928) 337-4321.
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