Graham County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Graham County.
Last verified: July 12, 2026
Graham County Criminal Justice Center
About the Graham County Court System
The Graham 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 Graham County Guides
Graham County Justice Court closes on Fridays entirely. If you're trying to file paperwork or make a payment at the end of the week, you have to plan around a four-day court week, not five.
Which Court Hears Your Case
Misdemeanor DUI and the initial appearance on felony charges go through Graham County Justice Court, Precinct 1, at 800 W. Main Street in Safford, open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Felony DUI cases move to Graham County Superior Court, in the same building complex, reachable at 928-428-3100.
Courtroom Rules
Cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering; the courthouse states they can be confiscated by security if not. Dress code bars shorts, tank tops, tube tops, and unkempt t-shirts, along with hats and sunglasses. A specific courthouse rule prohibits anyone from standing within 10 feet of a person in custody, which means no hugging or handing items to a defendant being escorted by detention officers; violating it results in expulsion from the courthouse.
Virtual Hearings
Both Justice Court and Superior Court judges maintain permanent Zoom links for virtual hearings, but there's a formal "Virtual Court Code of Conduct." It bars attending while driving, requires dressing as if you were physically in the courtroom, and prohibits distracting backgrounds.
Paying Fines
Fines go through the county's FARE (Fines/Fees and Restitution Enforcement) program. Online payment through azcourtpay.com carries a flat $5 fee. Miss a payment and the court can enter a default judgment, which triggers both a license suspension and a hold on vehicle registration renewal, a combination that can make it hard to legally drive to work to earn the money to pay what's owed.
Getting Legal Help
Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory — someone who already knows this court's four-day schedule and dress code enforcement can help you avoid an easily avoidable delay.
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