Greenlee County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Greenlee County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Greenlee County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Bailed Out, But Not Off the Hook: Your First 48 Hours After a DUI Arrest in Greenlee County
If you've been arrested for DUI in Greenlee County, Arizona, your immediate concern is likely getting out of jail. But for many residents, especially those employed by Freeport-McMoRan or its contractors, the stakes are much higher than just freedom. Losing your job due to a DUI arrest is a very real threat. This guide provides a tactical checklist for navigating the crucial first 48 hours after a DUI arrest in Greenlee County, focusing on protecting your job and your future.
Step 1: Silence is Golden (and Required)
The moment you're in custody, remember this: anything you say can and will be used against you. Jail phones at the Greenlee County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) record calls made through HomeWAV. Don't discuss the details of your case with cellmates, as they could be used as witnesses. Focus on the immediate tasks at hand: bail and contacting loved ones.
Step 2: Posting Bail in Greenlee County
If you can't afford cash bail, contact Triple B Bail Bonds at (928) 428-2678. They are a registered bondsman in Greenlee County and can help you secure your release. Remember, getting out of jail quickly is crucial, not just for your freedom, but also to address the other pressing issues outlined below.
Step 3: Locate Your Vehicle
After a DUI arrest, your vehicle is often impounded. Call the Greenlee County Sheriff's Office at (928) 865-4149 to determine where your car is being held. It's likely at a towing company in Safford or Graham County, such as Nuttall's Towing LLC in Safford, AZ [(928) 428-0825] or Magnum Towing. Be prepared for towing and storage fees. While rates vary, expect to pay hundreds of dollars.
If your vehicle was impounded under A.R.S. 28-3511 (DUI law), you have a strict 10-day deadline to request an Impound Hearing. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to challenge the impound. Prepare $150 in cash for the Sheriff's Admin Fee to retrieve your vehicle.
Step 4: Protect Your Driving Privileges
Arizona's administrative license suspension process begins almost immediately after a DUI arrest. You have only 15 days from the date of the DUI to request an Executive Hearing with the Arizona MVD to contest the suspension of your driver's license. This hearing can be requested online through the AZ MVD website. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
Step 5: The Freeport-McMoRan Reporting Requirement: A 24-48 Hour Time Bomb
This is where Greenlee County DUI cases differ drastically from those in other parts of Arizona. Freeport-McMoRan and its contractors typically have strict "Self-Reporting" policies. Employees are required to report any arrest (not just a conviction) to HR or their supervisor within 24-48 hours.
Many defendants make the mistake of thinking they can wait until a conviction. However, Freeport-McMoRan actively monitors public booking logs. If the company discovers the arrest before you self-report, you could be fired for failing to comply with company policy, regardless of the DUI outcome.
Before reporting, immediately review your employment contract and consult with an attorney familiar with Greenlee County employment law. While legal advice is crucial, do not let it delay your report past the deadline.
Step 6: Security Clearance and Badge Access
A DUI arrest can trigger an immediate suspension of your site access privileges at the mine. Without your badge, you cannot work. Furthermore, if your DUI involved a refusal to submit to testing or a high BAC (Blood Alcohol Content), the company may place you on administrative leave pending a substance abuse evaluation, viewing you as a safety risk.
Step 7: Retain Local Counsel
Do not hire a "Phoenix lawyer" unfamiliar with the Greenlee/Graham court systems. They will likely charge significant travel fees, potentially doubling the cost of representation. Seek out an attorney who regularly practices in the Clifton Justice Court or Duncan Justice Court and understands the nuances of the local legal landscape.
Next Steps
After securing your release and notifying your employer (if applicable), your immediate next step is to contact the Arizona MVD to request an Executive Hearing. You can find information on requesting a hearing on the AZDOT website. Don't delay – the 15-day deadline is unforgiving.
Sources
Arizona Penal Code
Greenlee County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety