Understand what comes next.

After an arrest, citation, or summons.

Read every document you receive and keep it in a safe place. A citation, release order, summons, or notice may identify the court, case number, conditions you must follow, and a date when you must appear or respond.

Instructions and deadlines vary. Rely on the documents issued in your matter and confirm details with the court or your lawyer. Missing an appearance or violating a release condition can create additional problems. If your address or contact information changes, ask what must be updated.

Initial appearance and release conditions.

At an initial appearance, a judge confirms your identity, explains the charges and your rights, considers the appointment of a lawyer, and sets release conditions. The procedure can differ depending on the court, the charge, and how the case began.

Release conditions are court orders. Read them closely. If you are unsure what an order allows, ask your lawyer or the court before acting. Conditions may cover travel, contact with other people, alcohol, firearms, testing, or supervision.

Keep records and potential evidence.

Save the paperwork, photographs, messages, video, receipts, and names of possible witnesses connected to the event. Keep original records and ask a lawyer how to preserve them. Do not delete or alter potential evidence.

What you say to police, tell other people, or post on social media may later become evidence. Calls from a detention facility may be monitored or recorded. Ask a lawyer about your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.

DUI cases and the Motor Vehicle Division.

A DUI arrest can lead to a criminal court case and a separate driver license proceeding. A court date does not necessarily resolve an MVD action, and an MVD proceeding does not decide the criminal charge.

Review the citation, suspension notice, test information, and any temporary driving document promptly. Check the notice for hearing rights and deadlines. Check current ADOT guidance and ask a lawyer about the notices you received.

From charging to pretrial proceedings.

A felony case may involve a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceedings before arraignment. At arraignment, you enter a plea to the charge. The procedure for a misdemeanor in a municipal or justice court can differ.

Before trial, the lawyers disclose evidence as required, may interview witnesses, and may discuss a plea agreement. They may also ask the court to rule on legal questions or the use of particular evidence. A defense lawyer examines the prosecution’s evidence and whether it supports each part of the charge. That review may raise questions about police conduct, searches, statements, or testing.

Plea discussions and trial.

A criminal case may end through a plea agreement, a trial, or a dismissal. A plea can affect your freedom, work, licenses, immigration status, and firearm rights. Discuss its terms and possible consequences with a lawyer before deciding.

At a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense may challenge the state’s evidence and present admissible evidence when appropriate. Discuss trial decisions with a lawyer who has reviewed your case.

Court and agency resources.

Court rules, laws, and agency procedures can change. Confirm current requirements with the court or agency handling your matter. Ask a lawyer for advice about your case.

• Steps in a Criminal Case ↗Arizona Judicial Branch
• Arizona Courts Locator ↗Find your court and its contact information
• DUI and driver-license information ↗Arizona Department of Transportation