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Last Modified on Jan 23, 2026
Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can be overwhelming. Many people facing these cases have no prior legal issues. It’s common to be concerned about legal procedures, deadlines, and potential verdicts. One question usually comes first. Which court will my DUI case go to in Flagstaff?
The answer provides some degree of clarity about what lies ahead in your legal process. It also helps you understand the expectations and potential outcomes you may face. When you work with a legal professional who understands Flagstaff DUI laws, you can gain even more insight into your case and potentially achieve a more favorable verdict.
A Look at Flagstaff DUI Courts
Your Flagstaff DUI case will typically be handled by one of two courts. The first is the Flagstaff Municipal Court. This court typically addresses city-based offenses. The second is the Flagstaff Justice Court, which is part of Coconino County and addresses matters outside city limits. The latter is often used for more serious offenses. In some cases, specialty DUI courts may be used for repeat offenders who represent more serious risks to the public.

What Makes Some DUIs Different From Others?
DUI offenses are viewed differently based on the circumstances. Some people have one too many drinks and overestimate how sober they are before getting behind the wheel. However, Arizona law 28-1383 defines when a DUI can become a felony. The conditions include:
- Having two prior DUIs within 84 months
- Driving on a suspended, revoked, or restricted license
- Having a child under 15 years old in the vehicle
- Not having an ignition interlock despite being legally required
- Driving on the wrong side of the highway
Committing a DUI while also committing one of the above offenses can escalate your charge, moving it to a higher court and potentially resulting in a more severe punishment.
What Are the Punishments for DUIs in Flagstaff?
The punishments for DUIs in Flagstaff depend on the nature of your offense, including whether it’s your first time and whether you committed any associated offenses that would escalate the charge to a felony. The punishments are as follows:
First offense:
- Minimum of 24 hours to 10 days in jail
- $250 base fine
- License suspension for 90 days to one year
- Ignition lock required
Second offense:
- Minimum of 30 days to 90 days in jail
- $500 base fine
- License suspension for one year
- Ignition lock required
Third offense:
- Minimum of four months in jail
- $750 base fine
- License suspension for one year
- Ignition lock required
Some punishments may be altered slightly to reflect added complexities in DUI cases, such as when a person has other outstanding legal issues or puts others in clear danger on the road. One way to gain insight into how your DUI case may progress is to hire a DUI attorney.
How Can a DUI Attorney Help You?
Your skilled DUI attorney in Flagstaff, AZ, can provide you with guidance about where your case will be held based on the nature of your offense. They can take helpful steps, including making calls on your behalf to gather information about scheduling, procedures, and expectations.
They can also advise you on what to say and not to say, so you can conduct yourself professionally. This, coupled with their legal knowledge, can increase your chance of a more favorable verdict based on your circumstances.
Why Arizona Has Tough DUI Laws
Arizona’s tough DUI laws are designed to protect drivers and pedestrians. With nearly 25,000 DUI arrests in 2025, Arizona takes this matter very seriously. During the 2024 two-week holiday season, the state averaged 97 DUI arrests per day.
With nearly 6 million drivers on the roads, state authorities know that strict enforcement is the only way to maintain safety. But even if you’ve been charged, you can still navigate your case with confidence when you hire a personal injury lawyer in Flagstaff.

FAQs About Which Court Will My DUI Case Go to in Flagstaff, AZ
What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration for Drivers in Flagstaff?
The legal blood alcohol concentration for drivers in Flagstaff is 0.08% for drivers 21 or over, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0% for drivers under 21. There’s also an Extreme DUI charge, which is defined by Arizona law 28-1382 as a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.15%, which could result in more serious punishment.
How Does the Law Determine DUIs?
The law determines DUIs through the use of a chemical test administered by law enforcement if they have a suspicion that a person is impaired on the road. Refusal to take a chemical test could result in a one- or two-year suspension of your driver’s license for a first or second offense, respectively.
Could a DUI Charge Be Dropped?
Yes, it is possible for a DUI charge to be dropped in certain circumstances. While Arizona has some very tough laws on these matters, a skilled DUI defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Even when charges are not dropped, a person may receive a reduced sentence for lesser offenses.
What Should I Do Immediately Following a DUI Charge?
Immediately following a DUI charge, you should hire a DUI lawyer. Avoid giving statements without proper legal counsel. Some first-time offenders try to “smooth things over” and explain their situation, but this can give the prosecution more information. Your legal counsel can help you prepare statements and let you know where your hearing will be.
Hire a DUI Lawyer Today
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, it can be a traumatic situation. Whether you’re a first-time offender with no previous legal issue or this represents another charge that could result in compounding problems, a legal professional with knowledge of Flagstaff DUI laws can help.
At The Kaiser Law Group in Flagstaff, we bring 35 years of experience and a record of positive feedback for our commitment to client satisfaction.
We can work to defend your rights through every available legal option. Whether your DUI was the result of a personal problem or a simple mistake, we take pride in helping you navigate the case. We can help you find out which court will hear your case and support you with customized legal guidance every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.