Pima County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pima County, AZ: Complete Guide

Getting arrested for a DUI in Pima County can be a disorienting experience. The legal system in Arizona, and particularly in a large county like Pima, can be complex. This guide will provide you with immediate, practical information about what to do next, covering everything from getting out of jail to understanding the court process and protecting your driving privileges. Pima County's judicial system is the second-most populous region in Arizona, so understanding the local nuances is critical.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Pima County

After a DUI arrest in Pima County, you'll face a series of immediate and longer-term legal and administrative processes. These include booking, potential jail time, an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing, and court appearances. Understanding these steps is crucial for navigating the system effectively. Pima County's unique "consolidated" administrative model for its lower courts means a more standardized procedure than in some other Arizona counties.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• At the Scene: After being pulled over and suspected of DUI, you will likely be asked to perform field sobriety tests and/or submit to a breath or blood test. Refusal to submit to testing can result in additional penalties, including license suspension.
• Arrest and Booking: If the officer determines you are impaired, you will be arrested and taken to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex. This is where you will be booked, which involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will typically be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this call to contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
• Bail: Bail will be set according to a schedule determined by the court. The amount can vary depending on the severity of the alleged offense and your prior criminal history.
• Release: You will be released from custody once bail is posted or if you are released on your own recognizance (ROR).

Typical processing times at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex can vary, but it's generally a few hours from arrest to release. The primary arresting agencies are the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), the Tucson Police Department (TPD), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.
• Initial Court Appearance: You will receive a notice to appear in court. This date is crucial, and failing to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended, typically 90 days for a first offense.

DUI Enforcement in Pima County

DUI enforcement in Pima County is conducted by various law enforcement agencies, including the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the Tucson Police Department, and the Department of Public Safety. Tucson City Court handles cases charged by the Tucson Police Department (TPD), while the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court (PCCJC) handles cases charged by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) or the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Local Resources

• Superior Court of Arizona in Pima County: 110 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701.
• Pima County Consolidated Justice Court: 240 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701.
• Tucson City Court: 103 E. Alameda St., Tucson, AZ 85701.
• Clerk of the Court (Superior Court): Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for filings.
• Online Case Access (Superior Court): apps.azcourts.gov (Arizona Judicial Branch's "Public Access to Court Case Information" portal).
• Online Case Access (Justice Court): jp.pima.gov (provides calendar information and online payment options).
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info, no specific recommendations). Search online for "Pima County Bail Bondsmen".
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations). Search online for "Tucson DUI Attorneys".

What Makes Pima County Different

Pima County's legal landscape has some unique aspects that can impact your DUI case:

• Consolidated Justice Court: The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court (PCCJC) centralizes the administration of multiple Justice of the Peace precincts, streamlining the processing of misdemeanor cases, including most first-time DUIs. This consolidation leads to more standardized procedures compared to counties with fragmented JP systems.
• DUI Treatment Court (Green Valley): If you reside in the southern part of the county and have multiple DUI offenses or a high BAC, you might be eligible for the Green Valley Justice Court's DUI Treatment Court program. Successful completion can lead to reduced charges or jail sentences.
• Compass Court: Pima County Consolidated Justice Court participates in "Compass" Court, a regional program (Consolidated Misdemeanor Problem Solving (CMPS) Court) for defendants with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Mental Health Diversion (Tucson City Court): If your case is in Tucson City Court and you have a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) or substance abuse disorder, you may be eligible for the Mental Health Diversion program, potentially leading to dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
• Judicial Discretion Limited: Due to Arizona's mandatory minimum sentencing laws, Pima County judges have limited discretion in DUI sentencing. This means that plea negotiations with the prosecutor are often critical in determining the outcome of your case.
• Justice of the Peace Precincts: The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court is divided into geographic precincts, each electing its own Justice of the Peace (JP). These JPs are the primary adjudicators for misdemeanor DUIs. The current Justices of the Peace are Victoria Steele (Precinct 1), Sara Mae Williams (Precinct 3), Erica Cornejo (Precinct 2), and Charlene Pesquiera (Precinct 4).

Remember, you only have 15 days to request an ALR hearing to contest your license suspension. Contact the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) immediately.