La Paz County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in La Paz County.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
La Paz County Criminal Justice Center
About the La Paz County Court System
The La Paz 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 La Paz County Guides
The Parker Justice Court is notably closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily. This is a hard closure; phones go unanswered and doors are locked. Here’s what you need to know about navigating DWI court procedures in La Paz County:
La Paz County Courts: Jurisdiction
The judicial process for a DUI in La Paz County is divided between the Justice Courts (for misdemeanors) and the Superior Court (for felonies).
- Parker Justice Court: Handles "Simple" DUIs (1st and 2nd offense, misdemeanor), civil traffic violations, and initial appearances for felonies before they are bound over to Superior Court. The Parker Justice Court also consolidates cases formerly heard in Salome and Quartzsite.
- Quartzsite Justice Court: While consolidated into the Parker Justice Court, the Quartzsite Justice Court facility remains operational, processing citations issued by the Quartzsite Police Department and DPS troopers in the area. Check your citation to confirm if your appearance is required in Quartzsite or Parker.
- Superior Court of La Paz County: Handles felony cases (Aggravated DUI) and appeals from the Justice Courts.
Courthouse Locations
- Parker Justice Court: 1105 W. Arizona Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344.
- Quartzsite Justice Court: 555 Plymouth Road, Quartzsite, AZ 85346.
- Superior Court of La Paz County: 1316 Kofa Ave., Suite 607, Parker, AZ 85344.
Security/Prohibited Items
Visitors to the Parker court complex must pass through security screening. Arriving 30 minutes early is a necessity. Strict prohibitions on cell phones in the courtroom are common, and some judges may ban them from the building entirely.
Courtroom Logistics
In the consolidated Parker Justice Court, docket shuffling to accommodate in-custody defendants is common. Check the digital display or printed docket list in the lobby upon arrival to confirm your courtroom.
Dress Code
Judges in La Paz County demand respect for the institution. "Business casual" is the minimum safe standard. Shorts, tank tops, and hats are universally prohibited.
Bail Bonds and Jail Release
Following booking, a defendant must be brought before a magistrate for an initial appearance, typically within 24 hours.
For misdemeanor DUI offenses, La Paz County typically utilizes a pre-set bail schedule, with amounts for Class 1 Misdemeanors typically ranging from $500 to $2,500 depending on Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. Bonds for felony charges are not automatically set by schedule and require a judicial hearing, often starting at $5,000 to $10,000.
The La Paz County Adult Detention Facility functions as the primary booking and holding center, located at 1109 Arizona Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344. The Booking/Information Phone is (928) 669-6141.
If posting a cash bond directly at the jail (a "cash purges" or self-bail), the facility typically requires exact change. The Superior Court Clerk maintains a list of "Authorized Bail Bond Agents," which includes companies like "Nice Guy's Bail Bonds" and "Bert's Bail Bonds".
Vehicle Impound
After securing administrative release, settle the account with the towing company. Towing fees typically range from $165.00 to $250.00 base rate, plus mileage. Storage rates are generally $25.00 per day. If a release is arranged outside of standard 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM business hours, a "gate fee" is often assessed.
Administrative offices in La Paz County, including the Parker and Quartzsite Justice Courts and associated police records clerks, frequently observe strict closure periods for lunch, typically from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
The Parker Justice Court is located at 1105 W. Arizona Avenue, Parker, AZ 85344.
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