ArizonaPinal CountyCourt

Pinal County DUI Court Guide

Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Pinal County.

Last verified: April 1, 2026

Pinal County Courts (DUI Jurisdiction)

Address
971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Florence, AZ 85132
Get Directions
Clerk Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Parking
Street parking and nearby paid lots available. Arrive early - parking fills up quickly on busy court days.

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

Miss your court date

Warrant issued immediately

Talk to prosecutors without your attorney

Anything you say can be used against you

Post about your case on social media

Can be used as evidence

Drive with a suspended license

Additional criminal charges

Violate bail conditions

Bail revoked, returned to jail

Discuss case with anyone except attorney

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:

Reviews police reportsChallenges evidenceFiles motions to suppressNegotiates plea bargainsQuestions breathalyzerExplores diversion programs

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):

Probation (most common)Fines & court costsLicense suspensionAlcohol education classesCommunity servicePossible ignition interlock

Related Pinal County Guides

DMV & License
ALR hearing & license suspension
Bail & Bond
Bail amounts & bondsmen
Vehicle Impound
Get your car back

Your DUI Case in Pinal County Court

Facing a DUI charge in Pinal County can be a daunting experience. Understanding the court process is crucial to navigating this challenging situation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect, from your initial appearance to potential penalties and available court programs. This information is for guidance only, and you should seek advice from a qualified DUI attorney to discuss your particular circumstances.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

DUI cases in Pinal County are typically handled in one of the Justice Courts, depending on where the arrest occurred, or in the Superior Court of Pinal County. Justice Courts generally handle misdemeanor DUI offenses, while the Superior Court handles felony DUI offenses.

There are multiple Justice Court locations throughout Pinal County. These include:

  • Casa Grande Justice Court: 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Bldg F1, Casa Grande, AZ 85122. Phone: 520-866-7475.
  • Central Pinal Justice Court: 119 W. Central Avenue, Coolidge, AZ 85128. Phone: 520-866-7900. This court serves Florence, Coolidge, and Eloy.
  • Western Pinal Justice Court: 19955 N. Wilson Avenue, Maricopa, AZ 85139. Phone: 520-866-3999.
  • Copper Corridor Justice Court: With a main office at 60 E. Main Street, Superior, AZ 85173 (Phone: 520-866-6950) and a satellite office at 1470 N. Justice Drive, Oracle, AZ 85623 (Phone: 520-896-9250).
  • Apache Junction Justice Court: This court serves the northern interface of the county, bordering the Phoenix metropolitan area. Apache Junction Justice Court Records.

The Superior Court of Pinal County is located in Florence. Superior Court of Pinal County.

To find your specific court date and location, review your citation or contact the Pinal County Clerk of the Superior Court or the relevant Justice Court.

The Court Process Timeline

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

The arraignment is your first official court appearance. It typically occurs within a few days or weeks of your arrest.

  • When it happens: You will receive a notice indicating the date, time, and location of your arraignment.
  • What to expect: At the arraignment, the judge will inform you of the charges against you, your rights, and the potential penalties you face.
  • Entering a plea: You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is generally advisable to plead not guilty at this stage to allow time to review the evidence and explore your options.
  • Getting a court-appointed attorney: If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a court-appointed attorney at the arraignment.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

Following the arraignment, a series of pre-trial hearings will be scheduled.

  • Discovery process: This is when the prosecution provides you with the evidence they intend to use against you, such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements. According to the research, you can mail a money order ($7.50+) to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) or Casa Grande Police Department (CGPD) Records Unit for the police report.
  • Plea negotiations: Your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor to try to reach a favorable resolution to your case.
  • Typical plea deals in Pinal County: Plea deals can vary depending on the specifics of your case, but they may involve reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

If a plea deal cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial.

  • Jury vs bench trial: You have the right to choose between a jury trial (where a panel of citizens decides your guilt or innocence) and a bench trial (where the judge makes the decision).
  • What prosecution must prove: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as defined by Arizona law § 28-1385.
  • Common defenses: Common defenses in DUI cases include challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer test, arguing that the police lacked probable cause to stop you, or demonstrating that you were not impaired.
  • Typical trial length: The length of a DUI trial can vary, but it typically lasts several days.

Penalties for DUI in Pinal County, AZ

The penalties for DUI in Pinal County are determined by Arizona law and can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, including your blood alcohol content (BAC) and whether you have prior DUI convictions.

First Offense

  • Jail time: Arizona law requires a minimum of 10 days in jail, with the possibility of up to six months.
  • Fines: Fines can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, plus surcharges.
  • License suspension: Your driver's license will be suspended for 90 days.
  • Other requirements: You may be required to complete alcohol education classes, perform community service, and install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle.

Second Offense

A second DUI offense within seven years carries significantly harsher penalties.

  • Jail time: A minimum of 90 days in jail, with the possibility of up to one year.
  • Fines: Significantly higher fines than a first offense.
  • License suspension: Your driver's license will be revoked for one year.
  • Mandatory IID: You will be required to install an IID on your vehicle for a longer period.

Third Offense

A third DUI offense is typically charged as a felony under Arizona law.

  • Prison time: You could face a lengthy prison sentence.
  • Fines: Substantial fines.
  • Permanent revocation risk: Your driver's license could be permanently revoked.

Court Programs in Pinal County

  • Drug court: Pinal County may offer drug court programs for individuals with substance abuse issues.
  • DUI court: DUI court is a specialized program that provides intensive supervision and treatment for repeat DUI offenders.
  • Community service opportunities: You may be able to perform community service as part of your sentence.

What to Bring to Court

  • Photo ID: Driver's license or other government-issued photo identification.
  • Court summons: The official notice you received from the court.
  • Any documentation: Any relevant documents related to your case, such as police reports or medical records.
  • Professional dress code: Dress professionally and respectfully. Avoid wearing casual clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, or sandals.

Local Court Procedures

According to Administrative Order (AO) 2024-002, effective July 1, 2024, all Justice Courts in Pinal County must utilize a standardized "Determination of Release" form for in-custody defendants. This form documents the factors considered when setting bail and release conditions. This order represents a shift from discretionary, ad-hoc release decisions to a standardized, documented process. Stakeholders are strongly advised to call 520-866-5055 the business day prior to ensure the paperwork is processed.

Pinal County residents facing DUI charges should also be aware of the strict weekday schedule for inmate property release at the 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle facility. Property pickup is only available Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where do I request a hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) regarding my license suspension after a DUI arrest in Pinal County? According to research, you should submit your hearing request via email to hearingoffice@azdot.gov. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible, and not rely on postal mail.
  2. What should I do if I am released from custody on a weekend in Pinal County and need to retrieve my vehicle, but my keys are in my property at the jail? Due to construction at the 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle facility, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) restricts inmate property pickup to Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You will need to wait until Monday morning to retrieve your property.
  3. Where can I find the police report related to my DUI arrest in Pinal County? Mail a money order ($7.50+) to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) or Casa Grande Police Department (CGPD) Records Unit for the police report.

Sources

Sources

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