Pima County DUI Bail Guide

Pima County Bail Process After DUI Arrest

Being arrested for DUI in Pima County can be a stressful experience. Understanding the bail process is crucial for securing your release from jail and beginning to address your legal situation. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee to the court that you will appear at all scheduled hearings. If you post bail and attend all court dates, the money is returned to you (less any applicable fees). If you fail to appear, the bail is forfeited, and a warrant may be issued for your arrest. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how bail works in Pima County.

Typical Bail Amounts for DUI

Bail amounts in Pima County DUI cases are determined by several factors, including the severity of the offense, your prior criminal record, and any aggravating circumstances. These are general guidelines; a judge ultimately sets the bail amount at your Initial Appearance.

• First Offense DUI: The bail amount for a standard first-offense DUI in Pima County typically falls in the range of $1,500 to $3,500.
• DUI with Injury: If the DUI resulted in injury to another person, the bail amount will be significantly higher, potentially ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the severity of the injuries.
• DUI with Prior Offenses: If you have prior DUI convictions, the bail amount will also be higher than that of a first-time offender. The exact amount will depend on the number and nature of the prior offenses, but it could range from $5,000 to $25,000 or more.

How to Post Bail in Pima County

There are several options for posting bail in Pima County. The best option for you will depend on your financial situation and the specific circumstances of your case.

Option 1: Cash Bail

This involves paying the full bail amount directly to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

• Payment: You (or someone on your behalf) must pay the full bail amount in cash, a cashier's check, or a money order. Personal checks are generally not accepted.
• Where to Pay: Bail can be posted at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex (PCADC) located at 1270 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, AZ.
• Refund: If you attend all your court appearances, approximately 90% of the cash bail will be returned to you after your case concludes. The remaining 10% is typically retained by the court for administrative fees, pursuant to A.R.S. § 11-251.15.

Option 2: Bail Bondsman

A bail bondsman is a licensed professional who posts bail on your behalf in exchange for a fee.

• Fee: You will typically pay the bondsman a non-refundable fee of 10-15% of the total bail amount. For example, if the bail is set at $2,500, you would pay the bondsman $250-$375.
• Requirements: The bondsman will require identification, and may also require collateral (such as a car title or property deed) or a co-signer to ensure that you appear in court.
• Finding a Bondsman: Directory listings are available on dui.guide to help you find a licensed bail bondsman near the Pima County jail.

Option 3: Property Bond

A property bond involves using real estate as collateral to secure your release.

• Equity Requirement: The property must have equity (value above any outstanding mortgages or liens) worth 150-200% of the bail amount.
• Process: The process of posting a property bond is more complex and time-consuming than other methods. It involves filing paperwork with the court and obtaining an appraisal of the property.
• Risk: If you fail to appear in court, the court can place a lien on the property and potentially foreclose to recover the forfeited bail amount.

Option 4: Personal Recognizance (PR Bond)

A Personal Recognizance (PR) bond allows you to be released from custody without posting bail, based on your promise to appear in court.

• Eligibility: PR bonds are typically granted to first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low risk of flight. Factors considered include your employment history, residency, and prior criminal record.
• Conditions: Even with a PR bond, you may be subject to certain conditions of release, such as abstaining from alcohol, attending counseling, or wearing an alcohol monitoring device.
• Pima County Considerations: The judge at your Initial Appearance will assess your eligibility for a PR bond based on the specific facts of your case and your background.

Timeline: How Long Until Release?

The time it takes to be released after posting bail can vary.

• Processing Time: The Pima County jail typically takes 2-6 hours to process the release paperwork after bail has been posted.
• Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) may expedite the release process, as more staff are available to process the paperwork.
• Potential Delays: Delays can occur due to high jail populations, staff shortages, or complications with the paperwork.

What Happens After Posting Bail

After posting bail, you will be released from custody, but you must comply with certain conditions.

• Conditions of Release: Common conditions of release include attending all scheduled court hearings, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, avoiding contact with the alleged victim (if applicable), and complying with any orders issued by the court. The judge can impose specific conditions based on the nature of the charges and your individual circumstances.
• Court Appearances: You will be given a date and time to appear in court for your arraignment. It is crucial to attend all scheduled court appearances.
• Failure to Appear: If you fail to appear in court, your bail will be forfeited, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you may face additional charges.

Special Considerations in Pima County

In Pima County, the Initial Appearance (IA) is conducted via video link. According to Pima County Jail, the defendant remains at the jail, while the judge sits in a courtroom at the Tucson City Court or the Justice Court. This means that bail decisions are made remotely during this initial hearing, emphasizing the importance of having an attorney present (even if remotely) to advocate for your release and argue for the lowest possible bail amount or a PR bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can I get my DUI charges dropped if I post bail in Pima County?

Posting bail only secures your release from jail. It does not affect the outcome of your DUI case. You will still need to address the charges in court.

2What happens to my bail money if I am found guilty of DUI in Pima County?

If you are found guilty and have posted cash bail, the money will be returned to you (less any applicable fees) after you have completed your sentence and complied with all court orders.

3Can I pay my bail online in Pima County?

Pima County courts do not currently offer online bail payment options. You must pay in person at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex or through a bail bondsman.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Pima County in our bail bond directory.

Sources

• Pima County Jail
• Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 11-251.15