Coconino County DUI Court Guide

Coconino County DUI Court Process

If you've been arrested for DUI in Coconino County, Arizona, understanding the court process is crucial. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect, from your initial arraignment to potential trial and sentencing. Knowing the procedures and potential penalties can help you navigate this challenging time.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

DUI cases in Coconino County are generally handled by one of several Justice Courts or the Superior Court, depending on where the arrest occurred and the severity of the charges. Misdemeanor DUIs are typically handled in Justice Court, while felony DUIs are handled in Superior Court.

The Justice Courts in Coconino County include:

• Flagstaff Justice Court: Handles misdemeanor DUIs occurring in unincorporated Coconino County (outside city limits) and on state highways (I-17, I-40) enforced by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Located at 200 N. San Francisco St, Flagstaff.
• Flagstaff Municipal Court: Handles misdemeanor DUIs occurring within the city limits of Flagstaff, enforced by Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) or Northern Arizona University Police Department (NAU PD). Located at 101 W. Cherry Ave, Flagstaff.
• Page Justice Court: Handles cases in the extreme northern region, including the City of Page and surrounding highways. Located at 547 Vista Ave, Page.
• Williams Justice Court: Handles cases in the western county, including the City of Williams and the I-40 corridor towards Yavapai County. Located at 700 W. Railroad Ave, Williams.

To find your court date, refer to the citation you received at the time of your arrest. You can also attempt to confirm your court date through the Coconino County online court records portal.

The Court Process Timeline

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

The arraignment is your first official appearance in court.

• When it happens: This typically occurs within a few days or weeks after your arrest.
• What to expect: The judge will inform you of the charges against you and your rights.
• Entering a plea: You will be asked to enter a plea of "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest."
• Getting a court-appointed attorney: If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a court-appointed attorney at the arraignment.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

Several pre-trial hearings may occur before a trial.

• Discovery process: This involves the exchange of information between the prosecution and the defense, including police reports, blood alcohol test results, and witness statements.
• Plea negotiations: Your attorney may engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor to reach a resolution without going to trial.
• Typical plea deals in Coconino County: Due to Arizona's strict DUI laws, plea deals often involve reduced charges or sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea. However, Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-1387 limits diversion programs.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

If a plea deal cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial.

• Jury vs. bench trial: You have the right to a jury trial, where a panel of citizens decides your guilt or innocence. Alternatively, you can opt for a bench trial, where the judge makes the decision.
• What prosecution must prove: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Common defenses: Common defenses in DUI cases include challenging the accuracy of the blood alcohol test, questioning the legality of the traffic stop, or arguing that you were not impaired.
• Typical trial length: DUI trials can last from a few days to a week or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Penalties for DUI in Coconino County, AZ

Penalties for DUI in Arizona are strict and increase with each subsequent offense.

First Offense

• Jail time: A.R.S. § 28-1381 specifies a minimum of 10 days in jail, but it can be suspended except for 24 hours.
• Fines: Fines and surcharges can total over $1,250.
• License suspension: A 90-day license suspension.
• Other requirements: Alcohol screening, mandatory alcohol education/treatment, community service, and installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle.

Second Offense

• Jail time: A.R.S. § 28-1381 mandates a minimum of 90 days in jail.
• Fines: Significantly higher fines and surcharges, potentially exceeding $3,000.
• License suspension: A one-year revocation of your driver's license.
• Other requirements: Extended alcohol screening, mandatory treatment, community service, and a longer period of IID use.

Third Offense

• A third DUI conviction within seven years is a felony offense under Arizona law.
• Prison time: A.R.S. § 28-1383 specifies a minimum prison term of 2.25 years.
• Fines: Substantial fines, potentially exceeding $150,000 including penalties and surcharges.
• License revocation: Potential permanent revocation of your driver's license.
• Other requirements: Extended substance abuse treatment and a longer period of IID use.

Court Programs in Coconino County

• Diversion programs: Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-1387 makes diversion programs impossible.
• Drug court: Coconino County offers a drug court program for individuals with substance abuse issues.
• DUI court: Coconino County does not have a dedicated DUI court.
• Community service opportunities: Community service may be ordered as part of a DUI sentence.

What to Bring to Court

• Photo ID
• Court summons
• Any documentation related to your case
• Professional dress code: "Business Casual" is the minimum expectation. No shorts, tank tops, hats, or sunglasses. The Page Justice Court explicitly bans "flip-flops," "muscle shirts," and clothing with offensive emblems. The rule is "dress modestly".

Local Court Procedures

• Flagstaff Justice Court: Handles a high volume of DPS cases and has strict adherence to bond schedules. The court has adopted electronic hearings for many proceedings, but initial appearances may still require physical presence or a specific motion to appear remotely.
• Flagstaff Municipal Court: Deals heavily with the student population (NAU) and local traffic. It is co-located with the city administration, making it distinct from the county complex.
• Page Justice Court: The court is remote. "Walk-in" services are limited. Telephonic appearances are sometimes permitted due to the distances involved but must be requested formally. The court is closed on weekends and holidays, which can delay processing for Friday arrests.
• Williams Justice Court: A smaller court with specific open court hours (10:00 am and 2:00 pm). Faxes are accepted at (928) 635-1908, a useful tool for remote counsel.
• Courtroom Conduct: Decorum is strictly enforced. Violations can lead to removal or contempt.
• Electronics Policy: Strictly Prohibited. Flagstaff Justice Court requires phones to be silenced or turned off. Taking photos or recording in the courthouse without prior permission is a violation of Rule 122 and can result in confiscation of the device. All visitors must pass through metal detectors. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended to clear security, especially during morning dockets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where do I go for my DUI arraignment if I was arrested by DPS on I-40 in Coconino County? If you were arrested by DPS on a state highway like I-40 in Coconino County, your case will likely be heard at the Flagstaff Justice Court, located at 200 N. San Francisco St, Flagstaff.

2What should I wear to court in Page Justice Court? Page Justice Court explicitly bans "flip-flops," "muscle shirts," and clothing with offensive emblems. The general rule is to "dress modestly" in business casual attire.

3Can I appear for my DUI arraignment remotely in Williams Justice Court? While electronic hearings are sometimes possible, initial appearances may require physical presence. However, since Williams Justice Court is a smaller court, it accepts faxes at (928) 635-1908, which could be useful for remote counsel.

Sources

• Criminal Cases - Coconino County
• Flagstaff Justice Court - Coconino County
• Flagstaff Municipal Court
• Page Justice Court - Coconino County
• Williams Justice Court - Coconino County
• Court Calendar & Dress Code | City of Page
• Rule 122.1. Use of Portable Electronic Devices in a Courthouse - View Document - Arizona Court Rules - Westlaw
• A.R.S. § 28-1381
• A.R.S. § 28-1383
• A.R.S. § 28-1387