Yavapai County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Yavapai County, AZ: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Yavapai County can be a disorienting experience. The county's vast geography, ranging from Prescott to the Verde Valley and remote areas like Bagdad and Yarnell, means enforcement and procedures can vary. This guide provides immediate, practical steps you need to take to navigate the Yavapai County DUI process, from understanding vehicle impoundment to court appearances.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Yavapai County

After being pulled over and failing field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer (with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, Arizona's legal limit), you'll be arrested by a law enforcement officer, likely from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) or a local police department. You'll be transported to a detention facility for booking.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: Following the arrest, you will be taken to a Yavapai County jail for processing. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will typically be allowed to make a phone call shortly after the booking process is complete. Use this call wisely to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. The amount varies depending on the severity of the DUI and your criminal history.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing: You 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 crucial to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline results in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: Your initial court appearance, also known as an arraignment, will be scheduled soon after your arrest. The date and time will be on the paperwork you receive upon release.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of your DUI.

DUI Enforcement in Yavapai County

DUI enforcement in Yavapai County is taken seriously, with law enforcement agencies actively patrolling major roadways and conducting sobriety checkpoints. Due to Yavapai County's decentralization, understanding enforcement patterns in specific areas like Prescott Valley is important.

Local Resources

• Yavapai County Court Information: 480-348-3549
• Seligman Justice Court: 54150 Floyd Street, Seligman, AZ 86337. Phone: (928) 422-3281. This court handles cases in the northern/western precinct covering Seligman and Ash Fork.
• YCSO Property and Evidence Bureau: 7100 N. County Fair Trail, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. Phone: (928) 777-7425 (Appointment Mandatory for property retrieval).
• Impound Lot Phone: 520-432-9513 or 520-432-9514
• Online Payments: https://payments.yavapaiaz.gov/egov/apps/payment/center.egov

DUI attorneys and bail bondsmen are available in the area to assist you.

What Makes Yavapai County Different

Yavapai County has some unique aspects regarding DUI enforcement and vehicle impoundment:

• Decentralized Enforcement: Due to the county's large size and diverse communities, DUI enforcement can vary between the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and local police departments in cities like Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Cottonwood.
• Mandatory Impoundment: Arizona law mandates vehicle impoundment under A.R.S. § 28-3511 for offenses like driving on a suspended license, Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15 or higher), or Aggravated DUI.
• 30-Day Impound Hold: Expect a 30-day impound hold in Yavapai County, especially for license-related violations, although some interpretations reference a 20-day period for eligibility reviews. Always confirm the exact hold period to avoid wasted trips and storage fees.
• Financial Responsibility: As mandated by A.R.S. § 28-3512, the vehicle owner is responsible for all towing and storage fees. Failure to claim the vehicle within ten days after the mandatory hold period can result in the towing company claiming ownership.
• Cash-Only Requirements: Be aware that the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office often requires cash or money orders for administrative fees related to vehicle release.
• Seligman Justice Court Logistics: If your case is in the northern/western precinct (Seligman/Ash Fork), calling ahead to the Seligman Justice Court is strongly recommended due to the remoteness of the area.

If your vehicle was impounded, the impound lot phone number is 520-432-9513 or 520-432-9514. Contact them immediately to determine the location of your vehicle and the fees required for release.