Apache County ALR Hearing Guide
How to request your Administrative License Revocation hearing and protect your driving privileges.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
15-Day Deadline
You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request an ALR hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.
Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:
If You Request in Time
- • Temporary permit until hearing
- • Chance to keep your license
- • Gather evidence for defense
If You Miss the Deadline
- • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
- • No hearing, no appeal
- • Starts 40 days after arrest
How to Request Your Hearing
Online Request
Fee: $125 (credit card)
Available: 24/7
Instant confirmation
Phone Request
Expect long hold times
Information You'll Need
From Your DIC-25 Notice:
- • Driver License Number
- • Date of Arrest
- • Arresting Agency
- • Arresting Officer Name
Personal Information:
- • Full Legal Name
- • Current Address
- • Date of Birth
- • Phone Number & Email
After You Request
Temporary Permit
ImmediateDrive legally until your hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 daysDate, time, and format mailed to you
Prepare Defense
Before hearingGather evidence, hire attorney
Attend Hearing
Scheduled dateUsually phone or video
Decision
Same dayWin: keep license. Lose: suspension starts
Temporary Permit
Immediate
Drive until hearing
Hearing Notice
20-40 days
Date mailed to you
Prepare
Before hearing
Gather evidence
Attend Hearing
Scheduled
Phone or video
Decision
Same day
Win or suspension
What to Expect at the Hearing
Most hearings are by phone or video
You usually don't need to travel to Austin. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.
Duration
30-60 minutes typically
Who's There
You, your attorney (optional), MVD attorney, administrative law judge
What They Review
Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, chemical test validity
Evidence That Can Help
- Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
- Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
- Witness statements about your sobriety
- Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests
For the rare in-person hearings:
Should You Hire an Attorney?
With an Attorney
- Can subpoena arresting officer
- Knows how to challenge evidence
- Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
- Higher success rate at hearings
Without an Attorney
- MVD has experienced attorney present
- May not know proper objections
- Can't effectively cross-examine officers
- Lower win rate statistically
If You Lose Your Hearing
Losing the ALR hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:
Ignition Interlock
Drive with device installed
Occupational License
Limited driving for work/essentials
Arizona MVD Office
For license reinstatement after suspension ends, or to get an occupational license:
FAQ
Related Guides
The Administrative (MVD) track versus the Criminal track creates a "Two-Track" system of justice for DUI cases in Apache County, Arizona. Understanding this system is critical, especially the deadlines associated with your driver's license.
The 15-Day Deadline: Protecting Your Driving Privileges
If you are arrested for DUI in Apache County, the officer will likely serve you with an Admin Per Se affidavit, sometimes called the "Yellow Sheet." This document initiates a separate administrative process that can lead to the suspension of your driver's license, independent of any criminal charges. You only have 15 days from the date of the arrest to request a hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to contest this suspension. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe means your license will automatically be suspended.
Requesting an MVD Hearing in Apache County
While specific local Apache County MVD contact information is unavailable, the general process for requesting a hearing involves contacting the MVD. The easiest way is often online, through the AZMVDNow.gov portal. Otherwise, you may contact the MVD by phone to determine the best method for scheduling your hearing.
Potential Issues with the Two-Track System
The "Rural Penalty" is significant in Apache County. The distance between the location of your arrest, the jail in St. Johns, and potential towing locations creates many challenges. Because Apache County encompasses substantial tribal lands, primarily the Navajo Nation, the arrest may have been processed by the Navajo Police Department (NPD) under cross-commission authority. If arrested by a Navajo Police officer on a state highway (under Cooley authority), the vehicle might be held under a "Tribal Hold" or a "State Hold." If your car was towed, you may need to travel 100+ miles back to Chinle to get the release form from the NPD/DPS district office, then go to the tow yard. The most important thing is to find your Admin Per Se paperwork to protect your license within the 15-day period.
What Happens at the MVD Hearing?
At the MVD hearing, you (or your attorney) can present evidence and testimony to challenge the suspension of your license. Common issues raised include:
- Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop you.
- Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest you for DUI.
- Whether your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was above the legal limit.
- Whether proper procedures were followed during the breath or blood test.
The Importance of Legal Counsel
Given the complexities of Arizona DUI law and the unique challenges presented by the Apache County environment, it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. An attorney can help you navigate the MVD hearing process, protect your rights, and explore all available options for resolving your case.
To coordinate pickup at the jail, family must call St. Johns Jail at (928) 337-4321.
Sources
Last updated: January 27, 2026
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