Gila County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Gila County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Gila County, Arizona, can feel overwhelming. What makes Gila County unique is its geographical split between the Globe/Miami area and the Payson/Star Valley corridor, creating logistical challenges you won't find in larger, more centralized counties. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the Gila County DUI process, from understanding the "transport trap" between Payson and Globe to recovering your vehicle.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Gila County

Following a DUI arrest in Gila County, you'll face a complex process involving law enforcement, the courts, and the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles (MVD). This guide is designed to help you understand each step, provide critical deadlines, and offer resources specific to Gila County. It addresses the unique challenges presented by the county's bifurcated legal environment and the logistical hurdles that can arise from being arrested in one area and processed in another.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Gila County are crucial. Here’s a typical timeline:

• Arrest: You're arrested by a law enforcement agency (likely the Gila County Sheriff's Office or local police).
• Booking: You'll be taken to either the Payson Substation (108 W. Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541) if arrested in the Payson/Star Valley area, or directly to the Gila County Adult Detention Center in Globe (1100 South Street, Globe, AZ 85502). Note that defendants arrested in Payson are often transported to the Globe facility if they cannot post bail quickly.
• Processing: During booking, you'll be fingerprinted, photographed, and your personal belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You'll generally be allowed to make a phone call to arrange for bail or contact an attorney.
• Bail: Bail will be set according to the Arizona bail schedule, but may be influenced by local judicial discretion. Be prepared for potential delays due to shift changes (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM) and transport windows.

Bail in Gila County: The financial barrier to release in Gila County follows the statewide bail schedule but is influenced by local judicial discretion during the Initial Appearance (IA). You should have approximately $1,500 readily available for fees, towing, storage, and bond.

The "Transport Trap": If you are arrested in Payson and cannot post bail quickly (within 4-12 hours), you will be transported to the Globe facility, a 90-mile drive. This means you could be released in Globe, far from your home and impounded vehicle in Payson. Consider having a bail bondsman post bond at the Payson Substation to expedite release, even if the physical release occurs in Globe.

Critical Deadlines

Several deadlines are crucial following a Gila County DUI arrest:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Since ALR hearings for Gila County are handled by the Phoenix Executive Hearing Office, you must file your request there.
• Initial Court Appearance: You will receive a notice of your initial court appearance date. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• Impound Hearing Request: You typically have a limited time (often 10 days) to request a hearing regarding the impoundment of your vehicle. Contact the Payson Police Department at 928-472-5052 immediately to schedule a vehicle hearing.

DUI Enforcement in Gila County

DUI enforcement in Gila County can be rigorous, particularly on weekends and holidays. While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly released in advance, be aware of increased patrols on State Route 87 and State Route 260, the major thoroughfares connecting Payson and Globe. The Gila County Sheriff's Office and local police departments actively conduct DUI enforcement.

Local Resources

• Gila County Superior Court: 1400 E Ash St., Globe, AZ 85501. Phone: (928) 425-3231
• Gila County Adult Detention Center (Globe): 1100 South Street, Globe, AZ 85502. Phone: (928) 425-4449 or (928) 402-8666.
• Payson Police Department: 108 W. Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541. Phone: (928) 472-5052
• Payson Jail Substation: 108 W. Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541
• Online Case Search: https://apps.azcourts.gov/publicaccess/
• Online Payments: /selfservicecenter/Making-a-Payment
• Bail Bondsmen: Search for local Gila County bail bondsmen, including those servicing Gila from Maricopa County.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installers (Globe):
• LifeSafer: 710 W Ash Street, Globe
• Intoxalock: 1982 E Ash Street, Globe
• QuickStart: 710 W Ash Street, Globe
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installers (Payson):
• Smart Start: 1506 W Bravo Taxiway, Payson (located within Big Tint, LLC, near the Payson Airport).
• License Office (Payson): 122 East Highway 260, Ste 122, Payson, AZ 85541
• Inspection Station (Payson): 200 W Frontier, Suite Q, Payson, AZ 85541

What Makes Gila County Different

Gila County's unique geography and administrative structure create challenges for DUI defendants:

• The "Transport Trap": Being arrested in Payson and transported to Globe for processing can leave you stranded 90 miles from your home and impounded vehicle. Prioritize posting bail quickly at the Payson Substation.
• Bureaucratic Impound Procedures: Vehicle recovery in Payson involves strict procedures and deadlines. Contact the Payson Police Department immediately at 928-472-5052 to schedule the vehicle hearing. The 10-day clock is unforgiving.
• Limited Public Transportation: There is no public transportation connecting Payson and Globe, making it difficult to return to Payson after being released in Globe.
• Cash-Heavy System: Gila County operates heavily on cash or credit at the point of service. Be prepared to have approximately $1,500 available for fees, towing, storage, and bond.
• IID Installation Logistics: If required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), choose a local installer in either Globe or Payson to avoid a monthly 3-hour round trip for calibration.

Remember, if arrested in Payson, contact the Payson Police Department at 928-472-5052 immediately to schedule your vehicle impound hearing. The 10-day clock starts ticking right away.