If you ever find yourself having to report to the Court in Greenlee County due to a DUI charge, it is imperative that you know where the Court is located and what court proceedings would be like. If you have to appear before the Greenlee County Superior Court for a DUI case, you should contact our firm to arrange a free consultation.
The Greenlee County Superior Court is located at the following address and their contact information and hours are as followed:
223 5th St, Clifton, AZ 85533
Phone: (928) 865-3872
Fax: (928) 865-5358
Hours: Monday – Friday; 8am – 5pm
Initial Appearance: This is where the Judge has to advise the defendant of their rights to counsel and remain silent. This would take place within the 24-hour timeframe after the defendant gets taken into custody. It would be your best interest to retain a DUI defense attorney in Scottsdale or Greenlee County at this point. This is because the initial appearance is the stage where the release conditions and how much the bond is going to be will be determined.
Bond Set: With more severe felony cases, the defendant will have to stand before a Judge. The bond set process is in place to ensure that defendant will appear in court for their hearing. This also ensures a defendant’s constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty is not violated.
Status Conference: This is the stage where your attorney will meet the Judge and the prosecutor. Your attorney may also be able to pick up your police reports and/or discuss plea deals or dismissal.
Preliminary Hearing Stage: This is where the prosecution has to show that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant actually committed a DUI. The case will be dismissed if the prosecutor is unsuccessful. However, the case will proceed if the prosecutor does manage to present a probable cause.
Scratch/Temporary Dismissal of the Case: Contrary to popular belief, scratching or temporary dismissal does not mean that the case is actually dismissed. There have been many instances where the State would bring back a case a few months after they have temporarily scratched or dismissed it.
Prefile Stage: This is the stage where the police will conduct a prefile investigation if they have a suspicion that an individual has committed a crime.
Grand Jury: A Grand Jury will likely consist of 9-16 people. Any potential criminal charges that the prosecution would like to put forward will have to go through the grand jury first. The grand jury would take out any charges that they find are not supported by probable cause.
Arraignment: The arraignment is when the Judge will confirm that the defendant has retained legal representation and is informed of what action the grand jury has decided on. The Judge will then set the case on the Court’s docket.
Trial (If Necessary): The attorney will be able to tell their client’s side of the story if the defendant is granted a jury trial.
Sentencing (If Necessary): The Judge would hear evidence about potential sentences during the presentencing hearing, which precedes the sentencing stage. And if it comes to that, the sentencing stage is when the Judge imposes penalties.
Class 4 Felony DUI Charges: Two or more prior DUIs in the prior seven years; DUI on suspended or revoked license, and; DUI while ordered to use an ignition interlock device.
A class 4 felony would result in the following possible minimum penalties for a charge of Aggravated DUI:
Class 6 Felony DUI Charges: DUI with a child under 15 years old in the car
A class 6 felony would result in the following possible minimum penalties for a charge of Aggravated DUI:
You can also be charged with:
Endangerment: This is one of the most common charges against drivers. On top of a DUI charge, according to ARS §13-1201, you may also be charged with endangerment if it is found that you have “recklessly endangered another person with a substantial risk of imminent death or physical injury.”
Aggravated Assault: You may be charged with this when you cause “temporary but substantial disfigurement, temporary but substantial loss or impairment of any body organ or part or a fracture of any body part” in an incident where you are charged with a DUI.
Vehicular Manslaughter: In Arizona, manslaughter falls under a Class 2 felony. This would result in harsh penalties, ranging from 7-21 years.
Murder: The range of penalties is harsher for a charge of Second-Degree Murder. It ranges from 10-25 years.
With years of experience and expertise in DUI cases, our counsels are able to negotiate the best offer for you. It would be in your best interest to contact us and retain a capable attorney in a timely manner if you find yourself charged with a DUI. Please give us a call at (480) 248-7666 to schedule a free consultation.
