Gila County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Gila County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can be a disorienting experience. In Gila County, the process involves unique logistical challenges, from navigating a bifurcated jail system to understanding the specific procedures of the Globe and Payson courts. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand what to expect and what steps to take following a DUI arrest in Gila County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Immediately following a DUI arrest in Gila County, the arresting officer, likely from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office or the Payson Police Department, will transport you for booking. If the arrest occurs in the Payson area, you'll initially be taken to the Payson Jail Substation at 108 W. Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541. However, this is a temporary holding facility. If you cannot post bond quickly, you will be transported approximately 90 miles south to the Gila County Adult Detention Center in Globe, located at 1100 South Street, Globe, AZ 85502. This transport can create a significant delay and added difficulty for family trying to assist you.

The booking process involves:

• Fingerprinting and Photographing: Your fingerprints and a mugshot will be taken.
• Inventory of Possessions: All personal belongings will be inventoried and stored until your release.
• Health Screening: A brief health screening will be conducted.
• Phone Call: You will generally be allowed to make a phone call to contact a loved one or an attorney.
• Bail Setting: Bail will be set according to the Arizona bail schedule, although a judge can modify this amount at your Initial Appearance.

Bail can be posted at either the Payson Substation or the Globe facility, even if you are being held in Globe. Posting bond quickly in Payson is crucial to avoid being transported to Globe, which can leave you stranded upon release. Contact numbers for the Globe facility are (928) 425-4449 and (928) 402-8666, but call routing delays are common.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines must be met to protect your rights and driving privileges:

• Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Executive Hearing Office (EHO) to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. This is also referred to as an Admin Per Se Suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: Your initial court appearance (arraignment) will be scheduled soon after your arrest. Failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALS hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin 15 days after the date you were served with the Admin Per Se Suspension Affidavit.

DUI Enforcement in Gila County

DUI enforcement in Gila County is conducted by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments, such as the Payson Police Department.

Local Resources

• Globe Regional Justice Court: 1400 E. Ash Street, Globe, AZ 85501. The court is closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily. A critical, non-standard friction point is the closure from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM on the 2nd Friday of every month.
• Payson Regional Justice Court: 714 S. Beeline Highway, Suite #103, Payson, AZ 85541. The court is closed daily 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. No payments are accepted after 4:30 PM, even though the court officially closes at 5:00 PM.
• Gila County Adult Detention Center (Globe): 1100 South Street, Globe, AZ 85502. Phone: (928) 425-4449 or (928) 402-8666.
• Payson Jail Substation: 108 W. Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541.
• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Executive Hearing Office (EHO): 3838 N. Central Ave, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Mailing: Mail Drop 507M, P.O. Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ 85001-2100. Fax: (602) 241-1624.
• Payson MVD Office: 122 East Highway 260, Ste 122, Payson, AZ 85541.
• Find a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist you with posting bail.

What Makes Gila County Different

Gila County presents unique challenges for DUI defendants:

• Bifurcated Legal Environment: Gila County functions as two distinct operational hubs: Globe/Miami and Payson/Star Valley. The procedural nuances of the Globe Regional Justice Court differ significantly from the Payson Regional Justice Court.
• The "Transport Trap": Defendants arrested in Payson are transported to the Globe detention facility if they cannot post bond quickly. This can leave them stranded in Globe upon release, far from their home and impounded vehicle.
• Court Specifics: The Globe Regional Justice Court enforces a strict decorum policy, prohibiting shorts, tank tops, and hats. Children are not allowed in the courtroom unless they are a party to the case. The Payson Regional Justice Court will not accept payments after 4:30 PM, even if the court is still open.
• Centralized License Hearings: All Admin Per Se license suspension hearings are conducted by the Executive Hearing Office in Phoenix. Requests filed at the Payson MVD or the local court will likely be lost or rejected. The request must be routed directly to the Phoenix EHO.
• Impound Fees: Expect to pay around $150 for the administrative fee, approximately $200 for the base tow, and $25 per day for storage. Failure to claim the vehicle within 10 days can result in an Abandoned Vehicle Fee of $500.00 (private land) or $600.00 (public land).
• Electronic Court Hearings: Gila County uses YouTube to livestream hearings for public access.

To request your Administrative License Suspension hearing, send your request directly to the Executive Hearing Office in Phoenix at 3838 N. Central Ave, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will I be taken if I'm arrested for DUI in Payson? A: You will initially be taken to the Payson Jail Substation. However, if you cannot post bond quickly, you will be transported to the Gila County Adult Detention Center in Globe.

Q: Where do I request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing in Gila County? A: You must send your hearing request directly to the Executive Hearing Office (EHO) in Phoenix. Requests filed at the Payson MVD or local courts are likely to be lost or rejected.

Q: What should I wear to court in Globe? A: The Globe Regional Justice Court enforces a strict decorum policy. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and hats.

Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory or browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Gila County.