Navajo County DUI Court Guide

A driver arrested for DUI in Navajo County, with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, will have their vehicle impounded. This is mandated under Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 28-3511, often called the "20-Day Tow Law."

Navajo County DWI Court Procedures: A Local Guide

Navigating the court system after a DWI arrest in Navajo County, Arizona, requires understanding the county’s unique logistical and jurisdictional landscape. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Navajo County presents challenges related to geography, tribal sovereignty, and a mix of state and private resources. This guide will help you understand the procedures and potential friction points in the Navajo County court system.

Justice Court Precincts

Navajo County divides its judicial authority among six Justice Court precincts, each with its own judge and procedures. Identifying the correct precinct where your case is filed is essential. Here's a breakdown:

• Precinct I: Holbrook Justice Court

• Judge: Hon. Krista R. Wilkinson.

• Jurisdiction: Holbrook, Joseph City, Woodruff, and portions of the Navajo Nation (Indian Wells, Jeddito).

• Contact: 121 West Buffalo, Holbrook, AZ 86025 | (928) 524-4720.

• Nuance: Proximity to the jail and Superior Court can expedite processing for those in custody. However, the court handles a high volume of I-40 commercial trucking citations.

• Precinct II: Winslow Justice Court

• Judge: Hon. B.J. Little.

• Jurisdiction: Winslow, Dilkon, Leupp, and large sections of the Hopi and Navajo Reservations.

• Contact: 605 East Third Street, Winslow, AZ 86047 | (928) 289-6840.

• Nuance: The court handles a large number of transient defendants due to I-40 traffic. They have specific "Post-Storage Hearing" protocols for vehicle impounds initiated by Winslow PD.

• Precinct III: Snowflake Justice Court

• Judge: Hon. Hunter Lewis.

• Jurisdiction: Snowflake, Taylor, Heber, Overgaard.

• Contact: 145 South Main Street, Suite D, Snowflake, AZ 85937 | (928) 536-4141.

• Nuance: This court, serving the "Mountain" communities, is known for strict adherence to procedural deadlines.

• Precinct IV: Kayenta Justice Court

• Judge: Hon. Susie Nelson.

• Jurisdiction: Kayenta, Shonto, Chilchinbito, Monument Valley.

• Contact: 1.5 miles east of Hwy 163, Kayenta, AZ 86033 | (928) 697-3522.

• Nuance: This court operates on Navajo Nation time, which observes Daylight Savings Time (DST). Remember that from March to November, Kayenta is one hour ahead of the rest of Arizona.

• Precinct V: Show Low Justice Court

• Judge: Hon. Scott Tipton.

• Jurisdiction: Show Low, Linden, Clay Springs.

• Contact: 550 North 9th Place, Show Low, AZ 85901 | (928) 532-6030.

• Nuance: Show Low is the commercial hub of the White Mountains, making this one of the busiest courts. Expect a high volume of DUI cases from seasonal tourists.

• Precinct VI: Pinetop-Lakeside Justice Court

• Judge: Hon. Robert Higgins.

• Jurisdiction: Pinetop-Lakeside, Whiteriver, Ft. Apache.

• Contact: 1630 East White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935 | (928) 368-6200.

• Nuance: The court holds "Open Court" every Tuesday at 11:30 AM, offering a chance to resolve outstanding warrants without arrest.

It's important to note that smaller courts (Precincts 3, 4, and 6) may close their clerk windows for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. All courts use AzCourtPay for online fine payments.

Vehicle Impoundment and Recovery

After a DUI arrest, your vehicle may be impounded. This process is governed by A.R.S. § 28-3511, mandating impoundment in certain situations. Here's what you need to know about recovering your vehicle:

• Towing Companies: Navajo County uses private towing companies on a rotation basis. These include:

• Tri-R Towing (Winslow/Holbrook/I-40 Corridor): (928) 289-4239, located at 1521 E. 2nd St, Winslow, AZ 86047

• Blacktop Towing (Show Low/Mountain Region): (602) 818-1147

• Navapache Towing (Show Low): 2050 E. Adams, Show Low, AZ

• Murphy’s Heavy Towing (Holbrook): 1002 Davis Road, Holbrook, AZ 86025 (specializes in heavy recovery)

• Administrative Recovery Fee: Before retrieving your vehicle, you must obtain a "Vehicle Release Form" and pay a $150.00 administrative recovery fee to the impounding agency (NCSO, Winslow PD, or Show Low PD). Many agencies only accept cash, money order, or cashier's check for this fee.

• Towing and Storage Fees: You will also need to pay the private tow company for towing and storage fees. Daily storage rates are capped at $15.00 to $25.00 per day for the first 20 days.

MVD Administrative License Suspension

Following a DUI arrest, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) initiates a separate administrative process that can result in the suspension of your driver's license. If you fail a breath test (BAC > 0.08) or refuse to test, the officer issues an "Admin Per Se" suspension affidavit, and you have only 15 days from the date of service to request a hearing. Failure to do so will result in automatic suspension. Hearings are overseen by the Executive Hearing Office of ADOT, often conducted telephonically or via video conference. The main office is located in Phoenix at 3737 N. 7th St.

Navajo County Sheriff's Office is located at 100 East Code Talkers Drive, Holbrook.