Pinal County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Pinal County.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
Pinal County Courts (DUI Jurisdiction)
About the Pinal County Court System
The Pinal County judicial system is bifurcated: County Criminal Courts at Law (16 courts) handle misdemeanor DUI cases (first/second offenses), while Criminal District Courts (20+ courts) handle felony charges (third offense, child passenger, injury, or death). The CJC houses both - misdemeanor courts on mid-rise floors, felony courts on high-rise floors.
Critical: Do NOT Do These Things
Warrant issued immediately
Anything you say can be used against you
Can be used as evidence
Additional criminal charges
Bail revoked, returned to jail
Others can be subpoenaed to testify
Security Screening & Prohibited Items
What to Expect
- Metal detector screening (remove belt, watch)
- Bag/purse X-ray scanning
- Allow 15-20 minutes for security
- Typical wait: 1-3 hours once inside
Do NOT Bring
- Weapons (including pocket knives)
- Pepper spray or mace
- Large bags or backpacks
- Food or drinks (water OK)
Court Day Checklist
Required Documents
Day-Of Reminders
Tip: Screenshot or print this checklist. Check items off as you prepare the night before.
How DUI Cases Move Through Court
1. Arraignment
First appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges
- Enter plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date scheduled
What to Know:
- Most plead Not Guilty initially
- Attorney will advise on plea
- Write down next court date
- Request public defender if needed
2. Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months. Your attorney handles most of this.
What Your Attorney Does:
3. Plea Bargain or Trial
Over 90% of cases resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain (Common)
- Reduced charges possible
- Lower penalties
- Faster resolution
- Known outcome
Trial (Rare ~5%)
- Jury decides guilt
- Higher risk/reward
- Takes 6-12+ months
- More expensive
4. Sentencing
Judge imposes penalties. First offense usually means probation.
Common Outcomes (1st Offense):
Related Pinal County Guides
Pinal County DUI cases are primarily handled through two court systems: the Justice Courts for misdemeanor DUIs and the Superior Court for felony DUIs, including Aggravated DUI charges. The adjudication process is rigorous, governed by Arizona Revised Statutes, local court rules, and administrative orders.
Courthouse Location
Misdemeanor DUI cases are typically heard in the Justice Court precinct where the arrest occurred. The Central Pinal Justice Court, considered the "judicial heart" of the county, is located at 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Florence, AZ 85132.
Felony DUI cases are handled by the Pinal County Superior Court, primarily located in Florence, with satellite offices available in other areas for convenience.
Initial Appearance (IA)
If you are taken into custody, your first court appearance will be an Initial Appearance (IA) held at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center in Florence. Hearings occur twice daily, at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, 365 days a year.
At the IA, a Magistrate or Commissioner will inform you of the charges, determine if you qualify for appointed counsel, and set release conditions, which can include:
- Own Recognizance (OR): Release on a promise to appear.
- Third-Party Release: Release to a responsible adult.
- Secured Appearance Bond: Posting cash or a surety bond.
Arraignment
The Arraignment is where you formally enter a plea. If you were released from custody, your arraignment must occur within 30 days of the complaint being filed. If you remained in custody, it must occur within 10 days.
Justice Courts of Pinal County
Pinal County is divided into six Justice Court precincts. The location of your arrest dictates which Justice Court will handle your misdemeanor DUI case. Here's a brief overview:
- Precinct 1: Pioneer Justice Court: Serves San Tan Valley. Judge Shaun Babeu presides. The court is one of the busiest in the state.
- Precinct 2: Casa Grande Justice Court: Serves Casa Grande, including I-10 and I-8. Judge Reginald Winston presides, bringing extensive law enforcement experience to the bench.
- Precinct 3: Central Pinal Justice Court: Serves Florence, Coolidge, and Eloy.
- Precinct 4: Western Pinal Justice Court: Serves Maricopa. Judge Patricia Glover presides.
- Precinct 5: Copper Corridor Justice Court: Serves Superior, Oracle, Mammoth, and Saddlebrooke. Judge Ellie Brown presides.
- Precinct 6: Apache Junction Justice Court: Serves Apache Junction. Judge Kelly Gremmel presides, bringing a prosecutorial background to the bench.
"Long-Form" Complaint
Be aware that in Pinal County, there can be a significant delay in charging you with a DUI, especially if a blood test was required. Due to state crime lab backlogs, it can take months to get BAC results. You might be released without a citation at the time of the arrest, and receive a summons in the mail later, after the blood results are finalized. It's critical to keep your address current with the court, as a warrant may be issued for Failure to Appear (FTA) if the summons is sent to the wrong address.
Court Contact Information
Central Pinal Justice Court can be reached at (520) 866-7400 during their business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, located at 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Florence, AZ 85132.
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