Mohave County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Mohave County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Mohave County, Arizona, presents unique challenges due to its vast and geographically fragmented landscape. Unlike more centralized metropolitan areas, the process from arrest to release can be complex and costly. This guide provides a practical roadmap for navigating the critical first hours and days after a DUI arrest in Mohave County. We'll cover everything from vehicle impoundment to court appearances, helping you understand the immediate steps you need to take to protect your rights and your future. Keep in mind that a defendant arrested in Lake Havasu City and transported to Kingman faces a logistical penalty that can exceed $1,000 in immediate, non-recoverable costs before even appearing in court.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Mohave County

The moments following a DUI arrest in Mohave County can feel overwhelming. You'll be taken into custody, likely transported to a detention facility, and face a series of immediate decisions. This guide breaks down the process, providing specific information about Mohave County procedures, deadlines, and resources to help you navigate this difficult time. Understanding the local landscape and acting quickly is crucial to minimizing the impact on your life.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest: You'll be arrested by an officer from one of the primary law enforcement agencies in Mohave County, including the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Kingman Police Department (KPD), Lake Havasu City Police Department (LHCPD), or Bullhead City Police Department (BHCPD). Tribal police may also be involved depending on the location of the arrest.
• Transportation: Depending on where you're arrested, you may be transported to a different location for booking. For example, someone arrested in Lake Havasu City might be transported to the Mohave County jail in Kingman, approximately 60 miles away.
• Booking: You will be taken to the Mohave County jail.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set according to a predetermined schedule. Factors such as prior criminal history and the severity of the charges can influence the bail amount.
• Release: Once bail is posted (or if you are released on your own recognizance), you will be released from custody. If arrested in a location far from your vehicle (e.g., arrested in Lake Havasu City but released in Kingman), arranging transportation back to your vehicle can be a significant immediate challenge.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Failure to request this hearing within the deadline will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license, regardless of the outcome of your criminal case.
• Court Appearance: Your citation will indicate the date, time, and location of your initial court appearance. Pay close attention to whether the citation directs you to Justice Court or Municipal Court.
• Vehicle Impound: Your vehicle will be impounded for 30 days. Early release may be possible under specific "innocent owner" or "spouse" provisions, but navigating these exceptions requires immediate action.

DUI Enforcement in Mohave County

DUI enforcement in Mohave County varies by location. The Lake Havasu City Police Department sees a high volume of DUIs, especially during "Spring Break." The Bullhead City Police Department, which services the casino corridor near Laughlin, Nevada, has unique procedures, including an "Appointment Only" system for vehicle release. The MCSO patrols the vast unincorporated areas, including the I-40 corridor and remote stretches of Hwy 93.

Local Resources

• Mohave County Superior Court (Kingman Office): 415 E Spring St, PO Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402. Phone: (928) 753-0713
• Mohave County Superior Court: 1255 Marina Boulevard. Phone: (928) 763-9200
• Bullhead City Municipal Court: (Check the Bullhead City website for address and phone.)
• Lake Havasu City Justice Court: (Check the Mohave County Courts website for address and phone.)
• North Canyon Consolidated Justice Court: (Check AZCourtHelp.org for address and phone.)

What Makes Mohave County Different

Mohave County's vast geography creates unique logistical challenges for DUI arrestees.

• The "Geography Tax": Being arrested in one part of the county (e.g., Lake Havasu City) and transported to jail in Kingman can create significant transportation hurdles and added expenses. This "geography tax" can easily exceed $1,000 in immediate costs related to transportation and vehicle retrieval.
• Agency-Specific Impound Protocols: Each law enforcement agency (MCSO, KPD, LHCPD, BHCPD) has its own specific procedures for vehicle release. Understanding these protocols is essential to avoiding delays and additional fees.
• Bullhead City's "Appointment Only" System: The Bullhead City Police Department requires an appointment to obtain a vehicle release form. You must call during a limited 10 AM - 3 PM window to schedule a slot. Missing this window on Thursday means you're blocked until Monday.
• Kingman's "Lunch Break Trap": At the Kingman Police Department records window, arriving just before the lunch break (11:55 AM) can result in a one-hour wait, potentially causing you to miss the tow yard's closing time and incur an extra day of storage fees.
• Spouse Vehicle Release: The MCSO strictly enforces the "registered owner" rule for vehicle release. If the vehicle is titled to the defendant but the spouse is not on the title, the spouse cannot retrieve the vehicle without a notarized Power of Attorney or proof of marriage (if last names differ).

After a DUI arrest in Mohave County, the very first thing to do is to determine where your car is impounded and familiarize yourself with that agency's specific release procedures. If arrested by the Bullhead City Police Department, remember their "Appointment Only" policy and call between 10 AM and 3 PM to schedule your vehicle release.