The Law Offices of Roth & Roth has practiced in Tempe Municipal Court for decades. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and how DUI cases actually move through this jurisdiction.
Tempe DUI — what’s different here
Tempe sees significant DUI activity around Mill Avenue and the ASU campus area on weekend nights. The PD coordinates with ASU police and runs frequent saturation patrols.
The Tempe Municipal Court handles misdemeanor DUI cases under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and § 28-1382. Felony DUI (A.R.S. § 28-1383) goes to Maricopa County Superior Court at the downtown Phoenix Central Court Building.
The local court — Tempe Municipal Court
- Address: 140 E. 5th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Phone: (480) 350-8224
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Jurisdiction: Misdemeanors within Tempe city limits, including DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and § 28-1382
Tempe DUI process — the 30-day clock
Whether your stop was within Tempe city limits or on a nearby freeway, the Arizona MVD process is the same:
- At the stop: Notice of Suspension issued (the pink form).
- Within 30 days: Request the MVD hearing under A.R.S. § 28-1385(G)(2)(c). Miss it and the suspension runs automatically — 90 days for a failed test, one year for a refusal.
- MVD hearing: The defense can challenge the lawfulness of the stop, the validity of the test, and the affidavit content.
- Criminal case proceeds separately in Tempe Municipal Court (or Superior Court if felony).
Common Tempe DUI defense theories
- Stop validity — lawful basis for the police contact
- Field-sobriety test administration — NHTSA scoring criteria
- Breath instrument — Intoxilyzer 8000 calibration, observation period
- Chain of custody — blood-draw cases, sample handling to the DPS lab
Why Roth Law in Tempe specifically
Michael Roth’s former-judge perspective changes the conversation with the court. The firm’s relationships with the Tempe City Prosecutor’s office change the plea negotiation. Roth Law has tried DUI cases in Tempe Municipal Court for three decades.
Arrested for DUI in Tempe?
The 30-day MVD clock has already started. Call 480 · 945 · 7684 — we answer 24 hours a day. The consultation is free.
Arrested in Tempe?
Roth Law represents clients in Tempe Municipal Court and the surrounding jurisdictions. The consultation is free.