Pinal County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pinal County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Pinal County can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the complex legal process ahead. Pinal County's judicial system, nestled between the bustling Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, presents unique challenges and procedures. This guide addresses those specifics, helping you understand your rights and options.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. Here's what you can expect:

• The Arrest: The DUI process typically begins with a traffic stop by law enforcement. In Pinal County, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Department of Public Safety (DPS), and local municipal police forces are the primary agencies involved in DUI enforcement.

• Testing: Law enforcement will likely administer breath or blood tests to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Be aware that Pinal County has a "long-form complaint" issue. If a blood test is taken, you may be released without a citation. This is because the state crime labs can have significant backlogs.

• Booking: If you are arrested, you will be transported to the Pinal County Adult Detention Center (Jail) in Florence.

• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after booking, usually to arrange for bail and contact an attorney.

• Initial Appearance (IA): If you are booked into custody (common with Aggravated DUIs or high BAC), your first court appearance is the Initial Appearance. These hearings are conducted 365 days a year, twice daily at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM at the Pinal County Adult Detention Center. A Magistrate or Commissioner will inform you of the charges, appoint counsel if necessary, and determine release conditions.

• Release: Release can take several forms:

• Own Recognizance (OR): Release on a promise to appear in court.

• Third-Party Release: Release to a responsible adult who monitors your compliance.

• Secured Appearance Bond: Requiring cash or a surety bond for release.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

• ALR Hearing: You typically have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended.
• Arraignment: For out-of-custody defendants (cited and released), the Arraignment must occur within 30 days of the filing of the complaint. For in-custody defendants, it's strictly within 10 days.
• Court Appearance Dates: These will be provided to you at your Initial Appearance or on your citation. Mark them carefully and be sure to attend.

DUI Enforcement in Pinal County

Understanding enforcement patterns can help you better navigate the system.

• Long-Form Complaints: As mentioned, Pinal County often uses "long-form complaints" when blood tests are involved. This means you might not receive a citation immediately, and a summons could arrive in the mail weeks or months later. Ensure your address is up-to-date with the MVD to avoid a warrant for Failure to Appear (FTA).
• High-Traffic Areas: The Casa Grande Justice Court, serving the largest incorporated city in the county, sees a high number of highway-related DUIs due to its location along Interstate 10 and Interstate 8. Be particularly cautious when driving on these routes.
• San Tan Valley: The Pioneer Justice Court, serving the San Tan Valley area, handles a high volume of traffic and DUI cases due to the density of commuters and the lack of municipal courts in the unincorporated areas.

Local Resources

• Pinal County Adult Detention Center (Jail): 971 N Jason Lopez Circle, Florence, AZ 85132
• Pinal County Justice Courts: Pinal County is divided into six Justice Court precincts. Depending on where you were arrested, your case will be handled by one of these courts:
• Pioneer Justice Court (Precinct 1): San Tan Valley area
• Casa Grande Justice Court (Precinct 2): Casa Grande
• Central Pinal Justice Court (Precinct 3): Florence, Coolidge, Eloy
• Western Pinal Justice Court (Precinct 4): Maricopa
• Copper Corridor Justice Court (Precinct 5): Superior, Oracle, Mammoth, Saddlebrooke
• Apache Junction Justice Court (Precinct 6): Apache Junction
• Superior Court Clerk - Main Office: Florence (address needed)
• Superior Court Field Offices: (addresses needed for San Tan Valley and Maricopa offices when available)
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info only - research local companies) Search online for "Bail Bonds Pinal County AZ"
• DUI Attorneys: (General info only - research local attorneys) Search online for "DUI Attorney Pinal County AZ"

What Makes Pinal County Different

Pinal County has unique characteristics that can impact your DUI case:

• Court Consolidation: The county recently consolidated from eight to six Justice Court precincts. This restructuring, led by Presiding Justice of the Peace Shaun Babeu, aims to improve efficiency and standardize caseloads.
• "Long-Form" Complaint Issue: The practice of delaying charges and issuing a "long-form complaint" after blood test results are returned can lead to unexpected summons and potential warrants. Stay vigilant about your address on file with the MVD.
• Judicial Experience: The judges in Pinal County bring diverse backgrounds to the bench. For example, Judge Reginald Winston of the Casa Grande Justice Court has 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Casa Grande Police Department, giving him a deep understanding of DUI investigation protocols. Judge Kelly Gremmel of the Apache Junction Justice Court has a prosecutorial background, having worked for nearly 30 years with the City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office. Judge Patricia Glover of the Western Pinal Justice Court has a background in civil litigation, bankruptcy, and estate planning.
• Commuter Hotspots: The Pioneer Justice Court in San Tan Valley and the Casa Grande Justice Court see a high volume of DUI cases due to heavy commuter traffic and the location of major highways.

If you've received a summons in the mail related to a DUI incident and the address is no longer current, contact the Pinal County Justice Court in the precinct where the incident occurred immediately to update your information and avoid a Failure to Appear warrant. You can find contact information for each precinct on the Pinal County website.