Yavapai County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Yavapai County.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
Yavapai County Judicial System
About the Yavapai County Court System
The Yavapai 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 Yavapai County Guides
Arizona law adopts a "zero tolerance" approach to specific categories of high-risk driving behaviors.
Yavapai County DWI Court Procedures: A Local Guide
This guide outlines the procedures following a DWI arrest in Yavapai County, Arizona, with a focus on navigating the local court system and vehicle impoundment laws.
Vehicle Impoundment in Yavapai County
If you are arrested for DWI in Yavapai County, your vehicle may be impounded, particularly in cases of Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15 or higher) or Aggravated DUI (DUI with a suspended license or with a minor in the vehicle). According to A.R.S. § 28-3511, impoundment is mandatory under these conditions, usually for 30 days. The owner is liable for all towing and storage charges, and these must be paid before the vehicle is released.
To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need the "Vehicle Removal Report" provided by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO). This report identifies the specific tow company storing the vehicle.
YCSO Administrative Procedures for Vehicle Release
Getting your vehicle released from impound requires navigating the YCSO's administrative procedures. Note that the YCSO operates on an appointment-only basis for property releases, and potentially for impound paperwork. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
To obtain a Vehicle Release Form from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, the registered owner must present:
- A valid driver’s license (or a licensed driver to accompany the owner if their license is suspended).
- Current vehicle registration. A "Restricted Use 3-Day Permit" from the MVD is an option if immediate reinstatement is not possible.
- Proof of current vehicle insurance.
It is essential to "Call and verify the location is open and your report is available for release" before visiting to avoid wasted trips. You can make payment to Yavapai County Government online.
Yavapai County Judicial System
The Yavapai County Judicial System operates from two main locations: the "West County" seat in Prescott and the "East County" hub in the Verde Valley (Camp Verde and Cottonwood). Cases are assigned based on where the offense occurred or where the parties reside.
Key facilities in Prescott include the Historic Yavapai County Courthouse at 120 South Cortez Street, and the Yavapai County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) at 1200 Prescott Lakes Parkway. The Verde Valley Judicial Complex includes the Superior Court - Camp Verde at 2840 North Commonwealth Drive and the Verde Valley Justice Facility at 10 South 6th Street, Cottonwood.
The Presiding Judge is the Honorable John D. Napper.
Judges in Division 1 and 2 (Prescott Courthouse):
- Honorable Michael P. McGill, Division 1
- Honorable John D. Napper, Division 2
Retrieving Personal Property
You can retrieve loose personal property from your vehicle at the tow yard. Contact the tow company for their specific procedures. If an item was seized as evidence, it will be at the YCSO Property and Evidence Bureau located at 7100 N. County Fair Trail, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. Access is by appointment only; call 928-777-7425 to schedule.
To schedule an appointment with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Property and Evidence Bureau, call 928-777-7425.
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