Pima County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pima County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a confusing and frightening experience. If you've recently been arrested for driving under the influence in Pima County, Arizona, you're likely facing a barrage of questions and concerns. This guide provides a clear overview of the steps you need to take, the deadlines you need to meet, and the resources available to you in Pima County. It is designed to provide immediate, practical guidance to help you navigate the Pima County legal system. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) and the Tucson Police Department (TPD) are the primary agencies handling DUI arrests within the county.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Pima County are critical. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest: The process typically begins with a traffic stop or collision investigation. Remember that Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-1321) operates under "Implied Consent," meaning that by driving in Arizona, you've agreed to submit to chemical testing. Refusal to submit to a test will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Booking: After the arrest, you'll be taken to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex (PCADC) located at 1270 W. Silverlake Road, where you'll be fingerprinted, medically screened, and undergo a lethality assessment.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Contact a licensed bail bondsman and a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
• Initial Appearance (IA): Within 24 hours of your arrest, you must be brought before a magistrate for an Initial Appearance. In Pima County, these hearings are conducted via video link. You'll remain at the jail, while the judge sits in a courtroom, often at the Tucson City Court or the Justice Court. IA courts run 365 days a year, typically at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM (or 8:00 PM). At the Initial Appearance, the judge will verify your identity, advise you of the charges against you, and determine the conditions of your release, including setting bail.
• Bail: The judge will set a bail amount at the Initial Appearance. You can pay this amount in cash, or work with a licensed bail bondsman to secure your release. The Pima County Sheriff's Office provides information on how to pay a bond.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your DUI case. Be aware of these critical dates:

• Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing with the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe results in automatic suspension.
• Court Appearance Dates: You'll receive a notice of your first court appearance date (Arraignment) at your Initial Appearance or shortly thereafter. It is essential to appear in court on this date or have your attorney appear on your behalf. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Pima County

DUI enforcement is a priority for law enforcement agencies in Pima County. The Tucson Police Department (TPD) handles cases charged by the Tucson Police Department, while the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) or the Department of Public Safety (DPS) handle cases charged by those agencies.

Local Resources

• Pima County Consolidated Justice Court (PCCJC): 240 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701. The PCCJC handles most first-time misdemeanor DUI cases. The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court - AZCourtHelp.org provides general information.
• Superior Court of Arizona in Pima County: 110 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701. The Superior Court handles felony DUI cases and appeals from the Justice Courts. The Pima County Superior Court, Arizona - Ballotpedia provides general information.
• Tucson City Court: 103 E. Alameda St., Tucson, AZ 85701. The Tucson City Court handles cases charged by the Tucson Police Department.
• Public Access to Court Case Information: You can access case information for the Superior Court through the Arizona Judicial Branch's "Public Access to Court Case Information" portal.

What Makes Pima County Different

Pima County's approach to DUI cases has several unique aspects:

• Specialized Courts: Pima County utilizes specialized courts to address the underlying causes of DUI. The Green Valley Justice Court operates a DUI Treatment Court for high-risk offenders. The Tucson City Court offers a Mental Health Diversion program for defendants with mental health issues.
• Video Court for Initial Appearances: Initial Appearances are conducted via video link, with the defendant remaining at the jail.
• Telephonic Search Warrants: Officers in Pima County will typically obtain a telephonic search warrant from an on-call magistrate to forcibly draw blood upon refusal to submit to chemical testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where will my DUI case be heard in Pima County?

Your case will be heard in either the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court (for most misdemeanor DUIs) or the Superior Court of Arizona in Pima County (for felony DUIs). The Tucson City Court handles cases charged by the Tucson Police Department.

2What alternative sentencing options are available in Pima County for DUI offenders?

Pima County offers several alternative sentencing options, including DUI Treatment Court (Green Valley), Consolidated Misdemeanor Problem Solving (CMPS) Court ("Compass" Court), Mental Health Diversion (Tucson City Court), and Drug Court (Superior Court).

3How can I find out the status of my DUI case in Pima County?

You can access case information for the Superior Court through the Arizona Judicial Branch's "Public Access to Court Case Information" portal.

Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory or browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Pima County.