Greenlee County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Greenlee, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Greenlee County, Arizona, can feel overwhelming, especially given the county's unique circumstances. What sets Greenlee apart is the dependence of most residents on employment at the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci mine. A DUI arrest here isn't just a legal problem; it's a direct threat to your job. This guide provides immediate, practical steps tailored to Greenlee County, helping you understand your rights and navigate the legal process effectively.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest in Greenlee County, the following steps typically occur:

• Arrest & Initial Processing: You'll likely be arrested by the Greenlee County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) or the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), especially if the arrest occurred along U.S. Highway 191, a heavily patrolled area.
• Booking: You will be taken to the Greenlee County jail in Clifton.
• Phone Calls: You'll be allowed to make phone calls after booking. Remember: DO NOT discuss the facts of your case on jail phones (HomeWAV calls are recorded) or with cellmates.
• Bail: Bail will be set according to a standard schedule. If you can't afford cash bail, contact Triple B Bail Bonds at (928) 428-2678.
• Vehicle Impound: The GCSO impounds vehicles. Call them at (928) 865-4149 to locate your car. If your car was impounded under A.R.S. 28-3511, request an Impound Hearing immediately (Deadline: 10 Days). Be prepared to pay a $150 Sheriff's Admin Fee in cash.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences. Here are the most important ones:

• Admin Per Se Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Suspension Hearing with the Arizona MVD to challenge your license suspension. File this request IMMEDIATELY.
• Impound Hearing Request: If your car was impounded under A.R.S. 28-3511, request an Impound Hearing immediately (Deadline: 10 Days).
• Employer Reporting: Review your employment contract regarding arrest reporting. Consult with an attorney ASAP, but do not miss the reporting deadline, which is often within 24-48 hours.

DUI Enforcement in Greenlee

Law enforcement in Greenlee County takes DUI seriously, particularly along U.S. Highway 191 and U.S. 70.

• Highway 191 Corridor: AZDPS District Nine actively patrols this area.
• Zero Tolerance Enforcement: A "zero tolerance" enforcement zone is in effect along U.S. 191 and U.S. 70, with collaborative efforts between AZDPS, GCSO, and Graham County Sheriff's Office. This means even minor traffic violations can lead to a DUI stop.
• "Reasonable Suspicion" Trap: The winding roads, especially through the Morenci mine area, make it easy for officers to claim "reasonable suspicion" for a DUI stop based on minor lane deviations.

Local Resources

• Greenlee County Sheriff's Office (GCSO): (928) 865-4149
• Triple B Bail Bonds: (928) 428-2678
• Clifton Justice Court: Located in Clifton, AZ.
• Duncan Justice Court: Located in Duncan, AZ.
• Arizona MVD (Safford): Located in Safford (closest MVD office).
• Ignition Interlock Installers (Safford Area): Smart Start (1153 W Thatcher Blvd, Safford), LifeSafer (Right Stop Garage, Safford), Intoxalock (Safford).
• DUI Attorneys: Seek legal counsel familiar with the Greenlee/Graham court systems. A "Phoenix lawyer" may charge travel fees that increase the cost of representation.

What Makes Greenlee Different

Greenlee County's unique characteristics significantly impact DUI cases:

• Mine Employment: The most critical factor is the prevalence of employment at the Freeport-McMoRan Morenci mine. Many employees are required to self-report any arrest (not just conviction) to HR within 24-48 hours. Failure to do so can result in termination, regardless of the DUI outcome.
• Security Clearance & Badging: A DUI arrest can lead to suspension of site access privileges (badge access). A refusal or high BAC may result in administrative leave pending a substance abuse evaluation.
• Highway 191 Enforcement: The AZDPS, GCSO, and Graham County Sheriff's Office collaborate on "zero tolerance" enforcement along U.S. 191 and U.S. 70.
• Logistical Challenges: The distance between the arrest location (Clifton/Morenci), the detention facility (Clifton), the towing storage lots (often Safford/Graham County), and the administrative hearing offices (Phoenix/Online) creates logistical hurdles.

Remember, time is of the essence. Review your employment contract IMMEDIATELY regarding arrest reporting. Consult an attorney before reporting if possible, but do not miss the reporting deadline.