Look at your citation, summons, release papers and any later court notices. If you're unsure where or when to appear, contact the clerk of the court named on the paperwork. A missing online record does not mean you have no court date.
Find your DUI case and hearing date
Search by name or case number. The statewide lookup covers 177 of Arizona’s 184 courts and is updated weekly, so a new charge or rescheduled date may not appear immediately. It is not the official court record. Confirm the date with the clerk.
- Citation or case number
- Full legal name
- Court and jurisdiction
- Most recent hearing notice
Three different clocks to understand
Initial appearance
A person arrested must generally have an initial appearance within 24 hours or be released from custody. This is not a deadline for finishing the case.
Arizona CourtsMVD hearing request
MVD lists 30 days from the suspension notice for the DUI process it describes. Not all notices follow that rule; other MVD actions may have shorter deadlines.
ADOT/MVD guidanceArraignment and later hearings
For misdemeanor DUI, arraignment is generally due within 10 days of complaint filing if in custody, or 30 days if not, subject to exceptions. Follow the court’s actual notice.
Arizona Courts FAQImportant: MVD's general hearing page says many other types of actions have 15-day deadlines. Read the specific notice you received rather than assuming every MVD action gives 30 days.
What happens at each Arizona DUI court date?
Court processing benchmark: Arizona Judicial Branch 2026 materials target resolving 85% of misdemeanor DUI cases within 180 days of complaint filing and 93% within 240 days, excluding specified periods. These are statewide administrative standards—not your court date or a guaranteed completion deadline. Arizona Courts 2026 time standards.
The sequence varies. Some proceedings are combined, repeated or unnecessary. Your actual hearing schedule comes from the court.
Arrest and paperwork
Day of arrestYou may be tested, booked, released with a citation, or held for an initial appearance. Look for the court named on your citation, release paperwork, or summons. A blood-test result or later charging decision may mean your first date is not yet known.
Initial appearance
If arrested and held: generally within 24 hoursThe judge addresses the allegations, rights, representation, and release conditions. If a person arrested is not brought before a judge within 24 hours, the criminal rules generally require release from custody. Someone released on a citation may not have a separate initial appearance.
Arraignment
Generally within 10 or 30 days after complaint filingThe charges are presented and a plea is entered. Under Rule 14.2, arraignment generally occurs within 10 days after complaint filing for defendants in custody and 30 days for those not in custody. It can be combined with an initial appearance or handled through an authorized exception; follow your actual court notice.
Pretrial conferences and motions
One or more scheduled datesThe prosecutor and defense address evidence, legal issues and possible resolution. Lab results or other evidence may not be available immediately. A pretrial date is not the same as a trial date.
Plea, dismissal or trial
Case-specificA case may resolve through a plea, trial, dismissal or another lawful disposition. A court can schedule separate hearings for a change of plea, jury selection, trial or verdict.
Sentencing and compliance
If convictedThe judge imposes applicable jail or prison terms, assessments and programs. Additional deadlines may involve payments, treatment or reporting for a sentence.
Driving privileges and reinstatement
Separate from the court caseMVD actions, screening, interlock, financial-responsibility filings and reinstatement can continue beyond a court disposition. Court completion does not automatically mean you are legally licensed.
Prepare for your next court hearing
Confirm the court address or video link, start time, case number, whether you must appear personally, and any documents or proof of compliance you must bring. Review the most recent notice, not an old calendar entry.
Verify the new schedule directly with the court or counsel. Keep copies of notices, and do not assume a hearing was canceled merely because the public lookup has not updated.
Common Arizona DUI hearing names
| Hearing | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Initial appearance | Rights, accusations and release conditions. |
| Arraignment | Plea entered; further court dates set if needed. |
| Pretrial conference | Evidence, legal questions and possible case resolution discussed. |
| Motion hearing | Judge decides a specific request or contested legal issue. |
| Change of plea | Court reviews an agreement and the defendant's proposed plea. |
| Trial | The evidence is considered and guilt is determined under applicable standards. |
| Sentencing | Court imposes the sentence and required conditions after conviction. |
How does a felony DUI court timeline differ?
Aggravated DUI cases generally proceed in Superior Court. Before arraignment, a felony charge may go through a preliminary hearing to determine probable cause or a grand-jury indictment. A preliminary hearing is not always held when a grand jury indicts. Check the summons or court order to know which appearances apply in your case. Arizona Judicial Branch: Steps in a Criminal Case.
The MVD process runs separately from criminal court
Was a crime proven?
Handles charges, hearings, evidence, plea or trial, sentencing, and court orders.
Can you legally drive?
Handles administrative suspensions, refusal consequences, restricted privileges and reinstatement requirements. An MVD action can happen while the criminal case is pending.
Do not assume every MVD notice allows 30 days. ADOT’s general hearing office says most departmental-action notices have a 15-day request period, while certain DUI suspension processes allow 30 days. Your specific notice controls. See MVD's DUI suspension guide and hearing-request instructions.
What if you missed a DUI court date?
Act promptly. Contact the clerk for the court handling your case and, if represented, your attorney. A missed required appearance can result in a warrant or other consequences. Do not drive to court unless you have confirmed you are legally allowed to drive. Ask what the court requires to address the missed appearance.
Arizona DUI timeline FAQs
How do I find my Arizona DUI court date?
Start with your citation, summons, release order or the latest court notice. Search the official Arizona court case lookup where available, then confirm the time, place and appearance requirements with the court clerk.
What if my DUI case is missing from the online search?
The case may not yet be filed or updated, or the court or record may not be included. The online site is not an official record and is not proof that a case was dismissed. Contact the court named on your paperwork.
What is the difference between an initial appearance and arraignment?
An initial appearance addresses rights, allegations and release conditions. At arraignment, the court advises you of filed charges and takes a plea; these events can sometimes be combined.
Do I have to appear at every DUI court date?
Follow the court notice or order. Counsel may sometimes appear on your behalf when the court permits it, but never assume an appearance is optional without court authorization.
What if blood-test results or charges are delayed?
A delay in a laboratory report does not necessarily remove a court date or MVD deadline. Check all paperwork, and confirm the case status and scheduled appearances with the court.
Can MVD suspend my license before court decides the DUI?
Yes. Administrative license proceedings are separate from the criminal case. Your MVD notice determines the particular action and available hearing deadline.
Official sources & limitations
Arizona Courts: How a Case Moves Through the Court System · Arizona Courts: Criminal Law FAQ · Public Access Case Lookup · ADOT/MVD DUI Process · MVD Hearing Requests.
This resource is a researched draft for education, not legal advice or a calendar for any individual case. Procedures vary between misdemeanor and felony cases and by court. Follow actual court notices and applicable official deadlines.
Related resource: Arizona DUI penalties, jail time and costs