Busted During Arizona Bike Week? What to Know if You’re Charged with DUI, Assault, or Other Crimes in Cave Creek

The Ride Can Turn Fast

Arizona Bike Week isn’t just an event—it’s a full-blown experience. Riders from across the country descend on the Valley, especially Cave Creek, to enjoy scenic routes, roaring bikes, campground parties, and a culture built on freedom and adrenaline. But what many people don’t anticipate is how quickly that freedom can turn into felony charges, court dates, or even jail time—especially in Arizona.

During Bike Week, law enforcement across Maricopa and Pinal Counties doesn’t just increase its presence—they launch coordinated efforts to crack down on common crimes associated with large gatherings. DUI checkpoints, undercover officers at bars and campgrounds, and patrol units looking for aggressive riding or drug use are all part of the plan. The reality is, they expect people to get in trouble. So they prepare. And they arrest quickly.

But here’s what’s often overlooked: Arizona has some of the toughest criminal penalties in the country. A single drink before hopping on your bike can result in mandatory jail time. A scuffle at a bar, even if it doesn’t get physical, can lead to an assault or disorderly conduct charge. Speeding through the desert? If it’s fast enough, you’re looking at a criminal misdemeanor—something most riders assume is just a citation.

And if you’re from out of state, the situation becomes even more complicated. You might be tempted to head home and forget about it. But Arizona won’t forget. Arrest warrants, license suspensions, and penalties can follow you across state lines. Ignoring the charge isn’t an option—it’s a mistake that could snowball into bigger legal issues.

Arizona Bike Week is meant to be an unforgettable time. But if you get caught in the chaos, understanding what’s at stake—and how to protect your future—can mean the difference between a bump in the road and a major detour in your life.

The Most Common Charges During Arizona Bike Week

When the roads are flooded with bikes, the campgrounds packed, and the bars are standing room only, it’s no surprise that legal issues spike. What is surprising is how fast a minor incident can turn into a criminal charge—and how seriously Arizona courts take even first-time offenses. During Arizona Bike Week, law enforcement is not just monitoring; they’re anticipating. And that means even unintentional behavior can lead to serious legal consequences.

Here are the most common criminal charges riders face during Bike Week in places like Cave Creek, Scottsdale, and other event hubs:

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

Arizona has zero tolerance when it comes to DUI. The legal limit is 0.08%, but you can still be arrested and charged with a DUI even if your blood alcohol content is lower—especially if you’re on a motorcycle. Many riders assume that short rides or a “buzz” aren’t a big deal, but officers are trained to pull over anyone who looks even slightly impaired.

• Mandatory jail time for first-time offenders (as little as one drink may trigger this)
  
• License suspension and ignition interlock device
  
• Fines, alcohol classes, and possible community service
  
• A permanent criminal record, even for tourists
  

Assault & Disorderly Conduct

With big crowds and long lines, tensions can run high. Arguments in bars, shoving matches, or even verbal threats can quickly turn into misdemeanor—or even felony—assault and disorderly conduct charges.

• No physical contact is required for some charges
  
• Police often arrest both parties if they can’t determine who started it
  
• Alcohol is considered an aggravating factor
  
• A conviction can affect jobs, custody rights, or gun ownership
  

Criminal Speeding & Reckless Driving

Arizona doesn’t treat speeding the same as most states. Go over 85 mph, even on a wide-open highway, and it’s a criminal speeding charge—not just a ticket. Ride aggressively through town or pop a wheelie on the main strip? That’s reckless driving.

• Criminal speeding is a Class 3 misdemeanor
  
• Penalties can include up to 30 days in jail
  
• Reckless driving may lead to license suspension
  
• These offenses stay on your record and impact insurance and employment
  

Drug Possession (Including Marijuana)

Even though marijuana is legal for recreational use in Arizona, it’s still heavily regulated. Many visitors from out of state don’t understand the limitations, and that misunderstanding can lead to arrests.

• Having over one ounce, or not storing it properly, can lead to felony charges
  
• Edibles and concentrates are treated more harshly than flower
  
• Transporting marijuana across state lines is a federal offense
  
• Possession of other drugs (like party pills or powders) carries severe penalties
  

Criminal Damage & Trespassing

Camping mishaps, damaging property at a bar or venue, or wandering into a restricted area can quickly escalate into criminal charges. Often, these charges are paired with alcohol-related offenses.

• Damage as low as $250 can qualify as criminal damage
  
• Trespassing doesn’t require intent—being somewhere you’re not supposed to be is enough
  
• Both can carry jail time and hefty fines
  
• Property owners and businesses often push for prosecution during high-profile events
  

Many of these charges seem minor on the surface—but Arizona prosecutors treat them seriously, especially when the defendant is from out of town. Whether it’s your first time in Cave Creek or your tenth year riding in Bike Week, one misstep can leave you facing a criminal record and a complicated legal battle.

Out-of-Towners Beware: Arizona Law Follows You Home

Every year, countless Arizona Bike Week attendees head home thinking the worst is over—only to find out weeks or months later that they’ve missed a court date, had a warrant issued for their arrest, or had their driver’s license suspended. If you’ve been charged with a crime during Bike Week, and you don’t live in Arizona, you’re not off the hook just because you crossed state lines.

Arizona courts treat out-of-state defendants the same as residents—and sometimes, even more strictly. Prosecutors and judges often view travelers as flight risks, especially if they miss deadlines or fail to respond to legal notices. But what many don’t realize is that just ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. It actually makes it worse.

As one Cave Creek bartender put it during a post-Bike Week interview:
“People think what happens here stays here. It doesn’t. This isn’t Vegas—it’s Arizona, and they’ll chase you down if you think you can skip out on charges.”

If you’re charged with DUI, assault, or another crime in Arizona, and you live in another state, here’s what you need to understand:

What Happens If You Leave Arizona?

Just because you’re physically out of the state doesn’t mean your case is forgotten. Arizona is part of several national databases that track criminal charges and license suspensions. If you fail to appear in court, a warrant will be issued—and it can be enforced in your home state.

• You could be arrested in your home state for an Arizona warrant
  
• Your driver’s license could be suspended both in Arizona and at home
  
• You may face additional penalties for failing to appear in court
  

Do You Have to Come Back for Court?

Not always. For many misdemeanor charges, a licensed Arizona defense attorney can appear in court on your behalf. This means you can avoid the hassle and expense of flying back and forth or missing work. In some felony cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate reduced travel requirements or file motions to minimize your presence.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Waiting too long to deal with your case can limit your options. The earlier you hire a defense attorney, the more they can do to protect you—whether that’s negotiating a dismissal, avoiding jail time, or handling everything without you having to return to Arizona.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is treat an Arizona charge like you would at home. The legal system won’t give you a pass just because you live elsewhere—and ignoring it is never the answer.

What to Do Immediately If You’re Charged with a Crime During AZ Bike Week

If you’re arrested or cited during Arizona Bike Week—whether for DUI, assault, criminal speeding, or any other offense—the steps you take in the first 24 to 48 hours can make or break your case. The chaos of the moment, the embarrassment of being in trouble while on vacation, and the panic of being far from home often lead people to do or say things that only hurt their situation.

But here’s the truth: you do have options, and you can take control of your case—if you act wisely from the beginning.

Don’t Talk—Call a Lawyer First

This is one of the most important and overlooked pieces of advice. Law enforcement may seem friendly or understanding at first, especially in tourist areas like Cave Creek, but make no mistake—they’re there to build a case against you. Anything you say, even casually, can be used as evidence in court.

Instead, politely but clearly state: “I am choosing to remain silent and would like to speak to an attorney.”

This isn’t about being difficult—it’s about protecting your future.

Preserve Evidence (Yes, Even That GoPro Footage)

Many riders bring GoPros or use helmet cams to capture their rides. If something went down—whether it was a roadside stop, a bar fight, or a misunderstanding at a campground—preserve that footage. Also hold onto receipts, text messages, social media messages, and the contact info of anyone who witnessed the incident. These small details can create powerful reasonable doubt or corroborate your version of events.

Contact a Local Arizona Criminal Defense Firm – Grand Canyon Law

Out-of-state attorneys won’t understand the local rules, judges, or prosecutors—and in Arizona, that local knowledge matters. Partnering with an experienced Arizona firm can be the difference between jail time and a clean record. Local counsel can often appear in court on your behalf, negotiate directly with prosecutors, and give you real-time strategy without you having to return to the state for every hearing.

A helpful resource on this topic is our article: Can I Handle an Arizona Criminal Case From Out of State?

It explains in more detail how representation works when you live in another state, including when you must appear and how an Arizona-based defense team can handle most court obligations for you.

Remember, your criminal charge doesn’t have to define your trip—or your future. But taking the right steps immediately can help you regain control and start moving forward. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse—get proactive and protect yourself.