How Long Is a Day in Jail for an Arizona DUI? (Court-by-Court Guide)
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If you or someone you know is facing a misdemeanor DUI in Arizona, one of the first questions is: how long is “a day” in jail? The answer is not as straightforward as it sounds — and it changed significantly in 2021. This guide explains the current law, what it means for your case, and exactly what self-surrender times apply at every major Maricopa County court.
Under 2021 Ariz. Session Laws, Chap. 148, one jail “day” for a misdemeanor DUI must be at least 8 continuous hours of custody. However, many courts and detention officers do not strictly enforce this — and some courts still require a full 24-hour day.
The History: From 24 Hours to 8 Hours
Years ago, one jail day in Arizona literally meant 24 hours. The legislature later changed the language from “24 hours” to simply “1 day,” which opened the door to interpretation. In Maricopa County, county jails began treating any portion of a calendar day as a full day.
Under the old practice, someone serving a 2-day sentence could self-surrender at 9:00 p.m., count the time until midnight as Day 1, and then be released as early as 2:00 a.m. — with Detention Officers deciding the exact release time. There was no incentive to surrender before 9:00 p.m.
In 2021, the Arizona legislature stepped in and passed 2021 Ariz. Session Laws, Chapter 148, formally requiring a minimum of 8 hours in custody to count as one DUI jail day. Even so, some detention officers still release inmates before the 8-hour mark has been reached.
Self-Surrender Times by Court (Updated September 2025)
Self-surrender times vary significantly by court and by individual judge. The table below reflects current practice as of September 2025. Always confirm with your DUI attorney before surrendering, as policies change.
| Court | Self-Surrender Time | Day Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Avondale Municipal Court | Any time | Must be a full 24-hour day |
| Buckeye Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Chandler Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Gilbert Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Maricopa County Justice Courts | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (judge-dependent) | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Mesa Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hrs; Extreme DUI requires full 48 hrs |
| Peoria Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Phoenix Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Pinal County Municipal & Justice Courts | Any time | Must be a full 24-hour day |
| Scottsdale Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Scottsdale City Jail | 7:00 a.m. | Must be a full 24-hour day |
| Surprise Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
| Tempe Municipal Court | 8:00 p.m. | Min. 8 hours (statute) |
Example: For a 2-day sentence at Phoenix Municipal Court, you would self-surrender at 8:00 p.m. and remain in custody until at least 8:00 a.m. the following morning. In practice, Maricopa County facilities often release inmates before the 8-hour mark on the second day.
What Are the Minimum Arizona DUI Jail Sentences?
Understanding how a “day” is measured matters most when you know the minimums at stake:
- Standard Misdemeanor DUI (BAC .08–.149): 10 consecutive days; 9 days may be suspended upon completion of alcohol screening
- Extreme DUI (BAC .15–.199): 30 days minimum (Mesa requires consecutive custody)
- Super Extreme DUI (BAC .20+): 45 days minimum
- Second-Offense DUI: 90 days minimum
- Second-Offense Extreme DUI: 120 days minimum
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona DUI Jail Time
How long is a day in jail for an Arizona DUI?
Under Arizona law, one jail day for a misdemeanor DUI must consist of at least 8 continuous hours in custody (2021 Ariz. Session Laws, Chap. 148). However, the actual time depends on your court and judge. Some courts, such as Avondale and Pinal County, still require a full 24-hour day. Most Maricopa County courts use the 8-hour minimum, but detention officers sometimes release inmates early.
Is a DUI jail day 24 hours or 8 hours in Arizona?
Arizona law changed in 2021 to define one jail day as at least 8 hours — not the full 24 hours that was the previous standard. Avondale Municipal Court and Pinal County courts still enforce a 24-hour day. All other courts listed in this guide use the 8-hour minimum, though enforcement is inconsistent.
What time do I self-surrender for DUI jail in Maricopa County?
Most Maricopa County municipal courts require self-surrender by 8:00 p.m. Maricopa County Justice Courts vary from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. depending on the assigned judge. Always confirm your specific surrender time with your attorney before reporting to the jail.
Can I serve DUI jail time on weekends or in installments?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the court and your circumstances, you may be able to serve your sentence on weekends, use home detention, or arrange work-release. An experienced DUI attorney can negotiate these arrangements during sentencing.
Can a DUI attorney help reduce my jail time in Arizona?
Yes. An experienced Arizona DUI attorney can challenge the evidence against you, negotiate a reduced charge, or secure alternative sentencing such as home detention, work release, or alcohol treatment in place of some jail time. Even if conviction is unavoidable, the right attorney can minimize the disruption to your job and family life.
A Better Outcome Than You Think May Be Possible
DUI charges don’t have to define you. Call now for a free consultation with Phoenix DUI attorney Gordon Thompson.
About Gordon Thompson — Arizona DUI Attorney
Gordon Thompson, Phoenix DUI Lawyer
Since 1979, Gordon Thompson has helped more than 5,000 DUI and criminal law clients in Arizona take back control of their lives. His practice is built around the client experience — keeping you informed, anticipating problems, and getting the best possible outcome.
- Prevents immediate suspension of your driver’s license
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- Helps minimize consequences for you and your family
What a DUI Arrest Can Mean for You
An arrest can immediately put you at risk of:
- Losing your driving privileges
- Missing work due to court and counseling sessions
- Serving mandatory jail time
- Driving only with an ignition interlock device for years
Gordon Thompson’s job is to anticipate and minimize every one of these consequences for you and your family.
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Arizona DUI Defense — Service Areas
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