Pima County DUI Court Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing in court for your DUI case in Pima County.
Last verified: January 27, 2026
Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
About the Pima County Court System
The Pima 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 Pima County Guides
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court (PCCJC) handles the vast majority of first-time and "Standard" or "Extreme" DUI cases. This court operates as a court of limited jurisdiction, physically adjacent to the Superior Court.
Pima County Consolidated Justice Court (PCCJC)
The PCCJC is located at 240 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701. It adjudicates civil traffic violations, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes (evictions), and misdemeanor criminal offenses, including most DUI cases.
Judges
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court is divided into precincts, each with an elected Justice of the Peace (JP):
- Precinct 1: Justice Victoria Steele
- Precinct 2: Justice Erica Cornejo
- Precinct 3: Justice Sara Mae Williams
- Precinct 4: Justice Charlene Pesquiera
These JPs are elected to four-year terms.
Local DUI Programs
Pima County offers several specialized DUI programs.
Green Valley DUI Treatment Court: This program, located in Green Valley, targets high-risk, high-need offenders with multiple DUI offenses or exceptionally high BAC levels who reside in the southern part of the county. Successful completion of the program can lead to reduced charges (e.g., reducing a DUI to Reckless Driving) or reduced jail sentences. The court uses frequent drug/alcohol testing, mandatory counseling, and regular status hearings.
Consolidated Misdemeanor Problem Solving (CMPS) Court ("Compass" Court): This regional program involves the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court and other municipal jurisdictions. It targets defendants with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who are frequent fliers in the justice system.
Initial Appearance (IA) and Release
After an arrest, individuals are taken to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex. According to Rule 4.1, an arrested person must be taken before a magistrate "without unnecessary delay," interpreted as within 24 hours of arrest. Initial Appearances (IAs) are conducted via video link from the jail, not in person at the courthouse.
IA Court Schedule:
- Morning Docket: 9:00 AM
- Evening Docket: 7:00 PM
A critical operational constraint is the Pima County Jail's release blackout period. Releases are processed between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. From 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, no inmates are released, regardless of whether they have posted bond or seen a judge.
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court is located at 240 N. Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701.
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