Pima County DUI Bail Guide
Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
DUI Bail Amounts
| Offense | Bail |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | $500 – $1,000 |
| 2nd Offense | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Felony (3rd+) | $10,000+ |
| With Child | $10,000+ |
Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10% (non-refundable).
Where to Post Bail
How Bail Bonds Work
The Process
Contact a bondsman
Available 24/7
Pay 10% fee
Non-refundable
Bondsman posts bail
They guarantee the court
You're released
Must attend all court dates
Co-Signer Warning
If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.
- 100% liable for full bail amount
- Collateral (house, car) can be seized
- Cannot cancel once signed
Release Timeline
Booking
2-8 hrsFingerprints, photos, background check
Arraignment
24-48 hrsJudge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hrsPaperwork signed, fee paid
Release
2-6 hrsProperty returned
Booking
2-8 hours
Fingerprints, photos, background check
Arraignment
24-48 hours
Judge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hours
Paperwork signed
Release
2-6 hours
Property returned
Total: 12-48 Hours
Weekends and holidays take longer.
FAQ
The Pima County Adult Detention Complex (PCADC) is located at 1270 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, Arizona 85713. This facility handles intake, classification, medical screening, and release for nearly all felony arrests within the county, as well as misdemeanor bookings from the Sheriff's jurisdiction and surrounding municipalities.
DUI Bail Options in Pima County
When facing a DUI charge in Pima County, several release options may be available. The magistrate reviews a Pretrial Services (PTS) report, which is the result of a background investigation conducted by PTS staff. They interview the defendant and check criminal history. Based on this, the judge can decide on:
- Release on Own Recognizance (OR): This is a release based on a signed promise to appear in court. No money is required. This is most common for low-risk defendants.
- Release to Pretrial Supervision: In addition to release, the defendant is effectively placed on "pretrial probation," requiring check-ins, drug testing, or electronic monitoring.
- Secured Appearance Bond (Cash/Surety): The judge sets a dollar amount that must be posted to ensure appearance in court.
The Initial Appearance (IA)
Under Rule 4.1, an arrested person must be taken before a magistrate "without unnecessary delay," interpreted as within 24 hours of arrest. The IA court schedule in Pima County is:
- Morning Docket: 9:00 AM
- Evening Docket: 7:00 PM
Inmates appear via video link from the jail.
Pima County's "Blackout" Period
A significant restriction is the Pima County Jail's release blackout period. Releases are processed only between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. No inmates are released from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, even if bond has been posted or a judge has granted release.
This "blackout" can delay release by 10-12 hours for evening-docket releases.
Posting Bond in Pima County
If a secured bond is set, you have two primary options:
- Cash Bond: The full amount is paid to the court and is refundable at the end of the case.
- Surety Bond: A bail bondsman posts the bond for a fee, typically 10% of the total bond amount. This 10% premium is non-refundable. Bondsmen may also require collateral to cover the full bond amount in case of forfeiture.
Important Considerations
All communications within the Pima County Jail, except privileged attorney-client correspondence, are monitored and recorded. Discussions about the case, bail strategy, or evidence can be used by prosecutors.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) is located at 1270 W. Silverlake Road, Tucson, Arizona 85713.
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