By James Voss · October 28, 2026
A DUI arrest in Arizona starts two separate cases. The criminal case is handled in court. The administrative case, about your driving privilege, is handled by the Motor Vehicle Division.
You have 30 days from the date you received the suspension notice to request an MVD hearing. If you miss it, the suspension takes effect automatically, regardless of what later happens in court.
The MVD hearing is also a chance to question the arresting officer under oath, sometimes months before the criminal trial. That testimony can be valuable later.
Meanwhile, request your police report and any body camera footage early. Breath machine calibration records and blood test chain-of-custody documents are where many defenses are found.
