Coconino County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Coconino County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Coconino County can feel overwhelming. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the legal process, protect your driving privileges, and understand the specific procedures within Coconino County. Knowing what to expect and acting quickly are crucial. This guide will provide you with the information you need to take the first steps.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Coconino County

After a DUI arrest in Coconino County, you'll likely be taken into custody by either the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD), Coconino County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Department of Public Safety (DPS) or the Page Police Department (PPD). You will then be transported to a detention facility for booking. This guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to navigate the legal and administrative processes following your arrest.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: You'll be processed at the Coconino County Detention Facility, which serves both Flagstaff and Page.
• Phone Calls: You’ll be allowed to make phone calls after booking. Use this opportunity to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail amounts in Coconino County vary.
• Release: Once bail is posted (or if you are released on your own recognizance), you will be released with a citation detailing your charges and court date.

The primary arresting agencies in Coconino County are the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD), the Coconino County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Page Police Department (PPD). The co-location of FPD and CCSO records at 911 E Sawmill Rd in Flagstaff may simplify some administrative tasks.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date the officer seizes your license and issues the Admin Per Se / Implied Consent Affidavit (the temporary pink or yellow sheet) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation). This is crucial to contest your license suspension. If you fail to request this hearing within 15 days, your license will automatically be suspended on the 16th day.
• Court Appearance: Your citation will list your initial court appearance date. Missing this date can result in further legal complications.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license suspension will begin 16 days after the date of the notice. A first-offense alcohol-related suspension is typically 90 days. A refusal to submit to testing (Implied Consent) results in a one-year suspension.

DUI Enforcement in Coconino County

Understanding DUI enforcement patterns can help you understand where and when you might encounter increased patrols. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) often patrols unincorporated areas of Coconino County and state highways like I-17 and I-40.

Local Resources

• Flagstaff Justice Court: 200 N. San Francisco St, Flagstaff. Handles misdemeanor DUIs occurring in unincorporated Coconino County and on state highways enforced by DPS.
• Flagstaff Municipal Court: 101 W. Cherry Ave, Flagstaff. Handles misdemeanor DUIs occurring within the city limits of Flagstaff, enforced by FPD or NAU PD.
• Page Justice Court: 547 Vista Ave, Page. Handles DUIs in the extreme northern region, including the City of Page and surrounding highways.
• Williams Justice Court: 700 W. Railroad Ave, Williams. Handles DUIs in the western county, including the City of Williams and the I-40 corridor towards Yavapai County. Faxes are accepted at (928) 635-1908.
• Coconino County Detention Facility: (928) 226-5200. Located in Flagstaff and Page, AZ.
• Online Fine Payments: https://www.ncourt.com/x-landing/default.aspx?id=566
• Online Case Search: https://apps.azcourts.gov/publicaccess/
• Flagstaff MVD: 1959 S Woodlands Village Blvd Ste 100A, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Hours are 07:30–17:00, M-F.
• Page MVD: 3300 US-89, Page, AZ 86040. This office opens at 12:00 PM on the second Wednesday of each month.
• FooteWork (Williams): 820 W Route 66, Williams, AZ. An Authorized Third Party (ATP) provider that can perform many MVD functions.

What Makes Coconino County Different

• Court Logistics: Identifying the correct court is crucial, as the citation might list a court far from your residence. The Flagstaff Justice Court, for example, handles a high volume of DPS cases and has strict adherence to bond schedules.
• Page Justice Court: This court is remote and "walk-in" services are limited. Telephonic appearances might be permitted but must be requested formally. The court is closed on weekends and holidays, which can delay processing for Friday arrests. Dress modestly when appearing in court. The Page Justice Court explicitly bans "flip-flops," "muscle shirts," and clothing with offensive emblems.
• Vehicle Impound Release: To retrieve your vehicle, you'll need your valid driver's license, current vehicle registration or salvage certificate, and proof of financial responsibility (insurance), and an ignition interlock device installation (if required). Fees include immobilization, towing, and storage charges, administrative charges of $150, and storage charges of $25 per day. Rental vehicles are exempt from the 20-day hold and can be retrieved by the rental agency immediately.
• MVD Quirks: The Page MVD office has unique hours, opening at 12:00 PM on the second Wednesday of each month.

The next step is to immediately request an ALR hearing with ADOT to challenge your license suspension. This request must be made within 15 days of your arrest. You can find information on how to do this, and other important resources, on the ADOT website: https://azdot.gov/