Mohave County DUI Court Guide

The immediate aftermath of a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest in Mohave County, Arizona, presents a uniquely hostile logistical landscape. If arrested in Lake Havasu City and transported to the county seat in Kingman, a defendant faces a logistical penalty that can exceed $1,000 in immediate, non-recoverable costs before a single court appearance is made. Understanding the DWI court procedures in Mohave County is critical to navigating this challenging system. This guide provides key information to help you understand the process.

Mohave County DUI: The Vehicle Impoundment Matrix

A DUI impoundment in Arizona is governed by A.R.S. § 28-3511, which mandates a statutory 30-day hold. However, the operational execution of this statute varies between arresting agencies in Mohave County. If your vehicle is impounded, navigate these exceptions within the first 48 hours to avoid 30 days of storage fees.

Agency-Specific Impound Protocols:

• Agency Release: Go to the police department or sheriff's office to pay an administrative fee and obtain a "Vehicle Release Form."
• Tow Yard Release: After obtaining the form, proceed to the tow yard to pay storage fees and retrieve the vehicle.
• Warning: Proceeding directly to the tow yard without the agency release form will result in a refusal of service.

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO): The MCSO strictly enforces the "registered owner" rule. If the vehicle is titled to the defendant but the spouse is not on the title, the spouse cannot retrieve the vehicle without a notarized Power of Attorney, marriage certificate or specific "spouse" provisions that may require a supervisor's approval.

Kingman Police Department (KPD): Beware the "Lunch Break Trap" at municipal PD records windows. Arriving at 11:55 AM often results in a one-hour wait.

Lake Havasu City Police Department (LHCPD): If arrested in LHC and transported to Kingman jail (60 miles away), you are released in Kingman, but your vehicle is in a tow yard in LHC. You must find transport from Kingman to LHC ($100+ taxi/shuttle), go to LHCPD to pay the $150 fee, then go to the LHC tow yard to pay storage. This triangulation can take 6-8 hours.

Bullhead City Police Department (BHCPD): The "Appointment Only" requirement is a significant bottleneck. Call during the limited 10 AM - 3 PM window to get a slot. If you miss the window on Thursday, you are blocked until Monday.

Economics of Towing:

• Tow Fee (Base): $150 - $250 (Depending on vehicle size and distance).
• Storage Fee: $15.00 - $25.00 per day.
• Gate Fee: $50 - $100 (Charged if the yard agrees to open after hours, which is rare).
• Admin Fee: $150.00 (Fixed).

Mitigate Impound: Check if "Spouse Release" is possible immediately. Locate the specific agency release window hours (Watch for the Friday BHCPD closure!). Gather documents: Valid DL, Registration, Proof of Insurance.

Bail Bonds & Jail Release

The Mohave County Adult Detention Facility (MCADF) is located at 501 S. Highway 66, Kingman, AZ 86401.

Payment Methods:

• Kiosk: "TouchPay" kiosks are available in the jail lobby. These accept cash (feeding bills one by one) and cards, and they charge significant service fees (often 10% or more).
• Court Clerk: During business hours (M-F, 8-5), bonds can be posted directly at the court of jurisdiction (e.g., Kingman Justice Court) to avoid kiosk fees.
• Online: Funds can be deposited via www.NCIC.com or TouchPay.

Court Information & Jurisdictional Nuances

Identify the correct court based on where the arrest occurred.

• Kingman/Cerbat Justice Court: 524 W. Beale Street, Kingman, AZ 86401. Phone: (928) 753-0710.
• Kingman Municipal Court: 219 N. 4th Street, Kingman, AZ 86401. Phone: (928) 753-8193.
• Bullhead City Justice Court: 2225 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 86442. Phone: (928) 758-0709.
• Bullhead City Municipal Court: 1255 Marina Blvd, Bullhead City, AZ 86442. Phone: (928) 763-0130.
• Lake Havasu Justice Court: 2001 College Drive, Suite 148, LHC, AZ 86403. Phone: (928) 453-0705.
• Lake Havasu Municipal Court: 92 Acoma Blvd S, LHC, AZ 86403. Phone: (928) 732-0024.
• North Canyon Consolidated Court: 2100 South Highway 389, Colorado City, AZ 86021. Phone: (928) 875-8700.

For the North Canyon Consolidated Court, Zoom appearances are often allowed but require a written request emailed to Northcanyon@courts.az.gov well in advance.

DMV/DPS & License Logistics

You have 15 calendar days from the date the officer serves the "Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Affidavit" to file a hearing request.