Yavapai 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 Prescott Detention Center, located at 1200 Prescott Lakes Parkway, Prescott, AZ 86301, functions as the primary intake and holding center for western Yavapai County, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley. It’s a "pass-through" node, meaning inmates booked there, especially on weekends, may be transported to the Camp Verde Detention Center by the next day. This can significantly delay release processing.
Inmate Location in Yavapai County
Finding an inmate requires utilizing the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) online tool at apps.yavapaiaz.gov/inmatesearch/. Keep in mind that this system provides a "snapshot" and the information is "accurate as of" the time displayed. There can be a delay of several hours between booking and data entry, especially during high-volume periods.
"Jane/John Doe" Protocol
If an arrestee is booked as a "Jane/John Doe," bail cannot be posted until they are properly identified through YCSO's fingerprint process. If you have legal identification for a Doe detainee, contact the Detention Center information line immediately to expedite the ID process.
Surety Bonds in Yavapai County
The standard premium for a surety bond in Yavapai County is 10% of the total bond amount. This is a non-refundable fee. For example, a $10,000 bond requires a $1,000 payment to the bondsman. The bondsman will also require collateral (real estate, vehicle titles, or cash) equal to the full bond amount.
Cash-Only Bonds
Judges may set "Cash-Only" bonds for certain offenses. While surety agents can sometimes facilitate these, they often require the full cash amount upfront and may charge a service fee. Services like GovPayNet allow for direct credit/debit card payments to the jail for full cash bail. Some agencies offer "Bail by Phone" using e-signatures and credit cards.
Indemnitor Liability
Be aware that signing as an "Indemnitor" (co-signer) comes with significant financial responsibility. There is no "cooling off" period. Once the defendant is released, the premium is fully earned.
Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
Public Defender Advocacy
Upon appointment, the Yavapai County Public Defender’s Office can file a Motion to Modify Release Conditions under Rule 7.2 of the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure. They can argue for Release on Own Recognizance (OR), Third-Party Custody, or Pretrial Services Supervision.
Sobriety Protocols and Release Delays
YCSO has strict sobriety protocols for DUI arrests. Release is contingent on the inmate’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) dropping to a safe level (typically 0.000%). Defendants in alcohol-related cases may be ordered into the "24/7 Sobriety Program" as a condition of release, requiring immediate enrollment in testing protocols.
Administrative "Blackout" Periods
Inmate movement ceases during shift changes and formal headcounts. Expect delays if a bond is posted close to these times (typically every 12 hours, e.g., 06:00 and 18:00). Release is also statutorily delayed in domestic violence cases until the victim has been notified via the VINE system.
Property Release Procedures
YCSO enforces an "Appointment Only" policy for property release. An inmate must retain one set of clothing (the clothes they wore in) for their eventual release.
Medication Retrieval
Inmates must request medical staff to release their personal prescriptions upon exit. If medication is left behind, there is a strict 24-hour window to retrieve it by calling (928) 567-7734 (Infirmary).
Court Date Tracking
Released individuals should monitor their legal status online at courts.yavapaiaz.gov/Calendars.
For questions, contact the Camp Verde Detention Center at 2830 N. Commonwealth Drive, Suite 105, Camp Verde, AZ 86322.
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