Yavapai County, Arizona · DUI
DUI in Yavapai County
What happens after a DUI arrest in Yavapai County, where your case will be heard and the deadlines that matter in your first days.
Where your case is handled
MVD hearing
Your MVD hearing office
Your hearing is handled by the MVD. Keep the notice of suspension you received. Request your hearing within 30 days of the date on your suspension notice.
Your first days after an arrest
Request your MVD hearing
Within 30 days of the date on your suspension notice, or the suspension takes effect automatically.
Find your court date
Check your citation or release paperwork for your arraignment date and courthouse.
Write down what happened
The stop, the tests and what was said, while it's still fresh.
Talk to a DUI defense attorney
A local attorney can request the MVD hearing for you and review the stop.
Your license: two separate cases
A DUI arrest in Arizona starts two cases: an MVD license case and a criminal case. They run separately, and the MVD suspension can take effect even if you're never convicted.
MVD · starts at arrest
Admin per se suspension
The officer takes your license and gives you a temporary permit. Request an MVD hearing within 30 days of the date on your suspension notice.
If the suspension stands: 90 days for a first offense, with a restricted license possible after the first 30.
Court · starts when charged
Criminal case
A conviction brings its own suspension or revocation, shown in the penalties table on this page.
An ignition interlock restricted license may let you keep driving.
Arizona DUI penalties
| First DUI (0.08%+) | First extreme (0.15%+) | First super extreme (0.20%+) | Second DUI in 7 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jail | 10 days; 9 can be suspended after alcohol screening | 30 consecutive days | 45 consecutive days | At least 90 days |
| Fines and assessments | At least $1,250 | At least $2,500 | About $2,750 or more | At least $3,000 |
| License | 90-day suspension | 90-day suspension | 90-day suspension | 1-year revocation |
| Ignition interlock | 12 months | 12 months | 18 months | 12 months |
| Also required | Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School | Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School | Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School | Alcohol screening, community service |
First DUI (0.08%+)
- Jail
- 10 days; 9 can be suspended after alcohol screening
- Fines and assessments
- At least $1,250
- License
- 90-day suspension
- Ignition interlock
- 12 months
- Also required
- Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School
First extreme (0.15%+)
- Jail
- 30 consecutive days
- Fines and assessments
- At least $2,500
- License
- 90-day suspension
- Ignition interlock
- 12 months
- Also required
- Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School
First super extreme (0.20%+)
- Jail
- 45 consecutive days
- Fines and assessments
- About $2,750 or more
- License
- 90-day suspension
- Ignition interlock
- 18 months
- Also required
- Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School
Second DUI in 7 years
- Jail
- At least 90 days
- Fines and assessments
- At least $3,000
- License
- 1-year revocation
- Ignition interlock
- 12 months
- Also required
- Alcohol screening, community service
Yavapai County DUI FAQ
What happens after a DUI arrest in Yavapai County, Arizona?
A DUI arrest in Arizona starts two cases: an MVD license case and a criminal case. They run separately, and the MVD suspension can take effect even if you're never convicted. The officer takes your license and gives you a temporary permit. Request an MVD hearing within 30 days of the date on your suspension notice. Count from the date on your suspension notice. If you don't ask for a hearing, the suspension takes effect automatically.
Where are DUI cases heard in Yavapai County?
The county seat of Yavapai County is Prescott. Contact the Yavapai County Clerk of Court to confirm where your case will be heard.
Is my driver's license suspended after a DUI arrest in Yavapai County?
The officer takes your license and gives you a temporary permit. Request an MVD hearing within 30 days of the date on your suspension notice. If the suspension stands: 90 days for a first offense, with a restricted license possible after the first 30. A conviction in the criminal case brings its own suspension: 90-day suspension for a first offense.
What are the penalties for a first DUI in Yavapai County?
Under Arizona law, a first DUI carries: Jail: 10 days; 9 can be suspended after alcohol screening. Fines and assessments: At least $1,250. License: 90-day suspension. Ignition interlock: 12 months. Also required: Alcohol screening, Traffic Survival School. Arizona sets mandatory minimums that judges can't reduce. Penalties climb with your BAC as well as your record. Fine amounts include required assessments and are approximate minimums.
Do I have two separate cases after a DUI arrest in Yavapai County?
Yes. A DUI arrest in Arizona starts two cases: an MVD license case and a criminal case. They run separately, and the MVD suspension can take effect even if you're never convicted. Admin per se suspension: The officer takes your license and gives you a temporary permit. Request an MVD hearing within 30 days of the date on your suspension notice. Criminal case: A conviction brings its own suspension or revocation, shown in the penalties table on this page.