Maricopa County DUI Court Guide

The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, located at 201 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, is the starting point for many DUI cases in the county. It's the fourth-largest trial court system in the nation, serving over 4.5 million residents.

Maricopa County DUI Court Procedures: A Local Guide

Navigating the Maricopa County court system after a DUI arrest can be complex. This guide provides essential information about the process, focusing on local procedures.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony DUI

The first key distinction is whether you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI (A.R.S. § 28-1381) or a felony Aggravated DUI (A.R.S. § 28-1383). Misdemeanor DUIs are typically handled in the Justice Courts, while felony Aggravated DUIs go to the Superior Court. The procedural track, potential penalties, and required court appearances differ significantly between the two.

Initial Appearance and Release

After a custodial arrest, you will be taken to the Intake, Transfer, and Release (ITR) facility at 2670 S. 28th Drive, which operates 24/7. You’re entitled to an Initial Appearance within 24 hours of arrest.

For first-time misdemeanor DUI offenders who live in Maricopa County and have no prior record, release on Own Recognizance (OR) is common. This means you are released on a promise to appear in court. However, prior Failures to Appear (FTA) or prior felony convictions will significantly reduce the likelihood of OR release.

If a cash bond is required, it can be paid at the kiosk in the ITR lobby or at the Clerk of Court windows. Surety bonds can be posted through licensed bail bond agents, who typically charge a non-refundable 10% premium. These agents primarily operate out of the 4th Avenue Jail's north entrance, but coordinate releases from ITR.

Arraignment

For cited defendants (meaning you were released after the arrest), your arraignment will occur 30 to 60 days after the arrest. The Arizona Traffic Ticket and Complaint (ATTC) issued by the officer will list the specific Justice Court precinct and the arraignment date. A universal strategy at the arraignment is to enter a plea of "Not Guilty," which preserves your rights and forces the state to produce discovery (evidence).

Under Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure, your attorney can often waive your presence for misdemeanor arraignments by filing a written plea. However, some Justices of the Peace require personal appearance to impose specific release conditions, such as "Do not drive without a valid license."

A critical logistical note for 2024-2025 is the renaming of the "Downtown Justice Court" to the "El Centro Justice Court." This is located at the "Downtown Justice Center" (DTJC), houses four separate precincts: Encanto, South Mountain, West McDowell, and El Centro.

Pretrial Conference (PTC)

Following the Not Guilty plea, the case is set for a Pretrial Conference, usually 30-45 days later. Given the volume of cases and lab delays, it is standard for the PTC to be continued multiple times. A case can remain in this phase for 3 to 6 months.

Vehicle Impoundment

If your vehicle was impounded, here's what you need to know:

• Primary Contractor for MCSO: Priority Towing, 602-232-6006. Call to confirm which lot holds the vehicle. Locations: 3420 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix; 945 N Arizona Ave, Chandler; 3242 S 36th St, Phoenix.
• Admin Fee: $150.00, payable to the impounding agency (e.g., City of Phoenix, MCSO) at the Police Records Unit or designated hearing office.
• You’ll need a valid photo ID, proof of ownership (title/registration), proof of valid Arizona mandatory insurance and the release form from the police station/records unit.

Electronic Monitoring in Maricopa County

Maricopa County relies heavily on electronic monitoring, including Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM), GPS tracking, and Remote Breath (RB) technologies. The Intake hubs are centralized in Downtown Phoenix.

Priority Towing's main office is reachable at 602-232-6006.