Cochise County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Cochise County, AZ: Complete Guide

A DUI arrest in Cochise County, Arizona can feel overwhelming. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Cochise County operates on a "Dual-Hub" system between Bisbee and Sierra Vista, adding logistical challenges to an already stressful situation. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the legal and administrative complexities specific to Cochise County, from understanding the operational hours of the Sheriff's Office to retrieving your vehicle. Understanding this unique geographical framework is the first step in effectively managing your DUI case.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Cochise County

Immediately following a DUI arrest in Cochise County, you'll be taken into custody by the arresting agency, which could be the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD), or the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The CCSO primarily handles arrests in unincorporated areas, while SVPD covers the city of Sierra Vista. DPS troopers patrol highways like SR-90 and SR-92. Your vehicle will likely be impounded, triggering a series of deadlines and fees.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: After the arrest, you will be transported to the Cochise County Jail. While the SVPD has its own booking procedures, detainees are typically transferred to the Cochise County Jail system.
• Booking Process: Expect to be photographed, fingerprinted, and processed into the jail system. The CCSO removed online booking logs and mugshots as of June 2024, which can delay the timeline for family or counsel to locate you.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, but it's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
• Bail: Bail amounts vary depending on the severity of the charges.
• Release: Release can be delayed due to the 48-hour visitation scheduling blackout.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing: You have a limited time (typically 15 days) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (MVD) to contest the suspension of your driver's license.
• Court Appearance: Your first court appearance (arraignment) will be scheduled soon after your arrest. The exact date will be on your release paperwork.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Your vehicle will be impounded for 30 days in cases of suspended licenses or Extreme/Aggravated DUI, per A.R.S. § 28-3511.

DUI Enforcement in Cochise County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly available, be aware that DUI enforcement is active throughout Cochise County, particularly in areas with high traffic volume like Sierra Vista. The Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) and Cochise County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) actively patrol the area.

Local Resources

• Cochise County Superior Court: 203 N Judd Drive, Bisbee, AZ 85603. Phone: 520-432-7540.
• Cochise County Sheriff's Office (Bisbee): 205 Judd Drive, Bisbee, AZ 85603.
• Cochise County Sheriff's Office (Sierra Vista Substation): Limited hours for administrative tasks.
• Jail Visitation: Monday through Friday 10 am to 2 pm (Sierra Vista and Douglas).
• Inmate Phone System: Securus (877-578-3658).
• Vehicle Impound Information: 520-432-9513 or 520-432-9514.
• Online Case Search: https://apps.azcourts.gov/publicaccess/

What Makes Cochise County Different

Navigating a DUI in Cochise County requires understanding its unique operational framework. Here's what sets it apart:

• The "Dual-Hub" System: Cochise County operates between Bisbee, the county seat, and Sierra Vista, the population center. The Superior Court and Sheriff's Office administration are in Bisbee, while most arrests occur in Sierra Vista. This means you may be arrested in Sierra Vista but need to travel to Bisbee for administrative tasks.

• Limited Vehicle Release Hours: The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office operates two distinct locations for processing the necessary paperwork to retrieve a vehicle. The Sierra Vista substation offers only four hours per week (Monday and Tuesday, 12-2 PM) for vehicle release processing. The Bisbee location is at 205 Judd Drive.

• Cash-Only Administrative Fee: To retrieve your vehicle, you must pay a $150 administrative fee to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office (or the specific arresting municipal agency) in cash. Exact change is often required.

• Impound Install Loophole: If your license is suspended and requires an interlock device, the vehicle cannot be legally driven off the impound lot without the device. A.R.S. mandates that impound lots must allow interlock installers access to the vehicle during business hours to perform the installation before release. Coordinate tow yard hours (limited in Bisbee/SV) with the installer's schedule.

• Removal of Online Mugshots: As of June 2024, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office removed online booking logs and mugshots, potentially delaying the ability of family or counsel to locate you after an arrest.

Don't wait. Call the Cochise County Superior Court at 520-432-7540 to confirm your next court date.