Gila County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Gila County.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
Gila County Criminal Justice Center
About the Gila County Court System
The Gila 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 Gila County Guides
For the DUI defendant in Gila County, the "logistical nightmare" begins immediately upon arrest. Gila County is severed geographically and administratively into two primary operational hubs: the Globe/Miami area in the south, serving as the county seat, and the Payson/Star Valley corridor in the north.
Arrest and Pre-Trial Detention
Gila County operates a "hub-and-spoke" detention model. The Gila County Adult Detention Center in Globe serves as the primary intake, long-term housing, and medical processing facility for the entire county. Its location is 1100 South Street, Globe, AZ 85502. You can try reaching them at (928) 425-4449 or (928) 402-8666.
Defendants arrested in the Payson/Star Valley area are initially booked at the Payson Jail Substation, located at 108 W. Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541. However, this facility is not designed for long-term capacity, and if a defendant cannot post bond within a 4-12 hour window, they are transported 90 miles south to the Globe facility. A local bail bondsman can post bond at the Payson Substation even for Globe inmates to expedite the release process, but the physical release will occur where the inmate is housed.
Vehicle Impound Recovery in Payson
If your vehicle is impounded, act fast. To obtain early release in Payson, the registered owner must request a post-towing hearing within 10 days of the impoundment. Failure to request within this window forfeits the right to a hearing. This request must be scheduled by calling (928) 472-5052 and leaving a detailed voicemail with your name, phone number, and the Case/VIN number.
Hearings are strictly by appointment at the Payson Police Department, located at 303 N. Beeline Highway. Bring a printed, physical copy of your insurance card, as digital proof is often rejected. If a spouse is claiming the vehicle, but is not on the registration, bring an original Marriage Certificate or a certified copy. If you do not have a valid license, bring a second person who does have a valid license to drive the vehicle off the lot.
You will also need to sign an Agreement of Operation, agreeing to only allow the vehicle to be driven by a licensed driver, and not to allow the arrested driver (if it was an Extreme/Aggravated DUI arrest) to operate the vehicle for one year.
Expect to pay a $150 administrative fee to the Payson Police Department or Gila County Sheriff (cash or card only), and towing and storage fees to the tow company. Storage in Payson is $25.00 per day.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
If convicted, or if opting for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver License (SIIRDL), you'll need to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
Authorized installers in the Globe area:
- LifeSafer: 710 W Ash Street, Globe.
- Intoxalock: 1982 E Ash Street, Globe.
- QuickStart: 710 W Ash Street, Globe
In the Payson area:
- Smart Start: 1506 W Bravo Taxiway, Payson (located at/near the Payson Airport within Big Tint, LLC).
Always wait for an appointment at the local installer to avoid the long-term travel tax of driving between Globe and Payson.
To schedule the vehicle hearing, call Payson PD immediately at 928-472-5052.
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