Adams County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Adams County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. In Adams County, understanding the specific procedures and deadlines is crucial to navigating the legal process effectively. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to expect after a DUI arrest in Adams County, Colorado, focusing on the immediate actions you need to take to protect your rights and future. The Adams County DUI system is a complex, multi-layered ecosystem involving municipal, county, and state entities. This guide aims to provide defendants with a granular map of the Adams County DUI ecosystem.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Adams County, the immediate steps typically unfold as follows:

1. Arrest and Transport: You will be arrested by a law enforcement officer, likely from a municipal police department (such as Arvada Police) or the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
2. Booking at the Adams County Detention Facility: You will be transported to the Adams County Detention Facility (ACDF) located at 150 N 19th Ave, Brighton, where the booking process begins. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening. You can contact the ACDF at (303) 654-1850.
3. Phone Calls: After booking, you will be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.
4. Bond Hearing or Presumptive Bond: You'll either see a magistrate judge to set bond, or have a pre-set bond amount determined by the 2025 Adams County bond schedule.
5. Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released from the ACDF.

According to the 2025 Adams County bond schedule, a standard DUI (misdemeanor) charge typically carries a bond of around $1,000 for a standard release. For DWAI, the bond is around $800. If the DUI involves a prior offense, the bond may vary between $1,000 and $2,000, with monitored sobriety being mandatory.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are some key deadlines to be aware of:

• DMV Hearing Request (7 or 10 Days): You have a limited time to request a hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was over 0.08 or you refused a breath test, you have 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing. If a blood test was administered, you have 10 days from the date on the letter informing you of the test results. Contact the DMV Hearings Division at (303) 205-5606. Missing this deadline results in automatic license revocation.
• Court Appearance Date: You will receive a summons with a date to appear in court. This is a mandatory appearance.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request a DMV hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of your case and prior offenses.

DUI Enforcement in Adams County

Adams County utilizes various strategies for DUI enforcement. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised, be aware of increased enforcement efforts during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Adams County Justice Center: 1100 Judicial Center Dr, Brighton, CO 80601. Phone: (303) 659-1161.
• Adams County Detention Facility: 150 N 19th Ave, Brighton, CO 80601. Phone: (303) 654-1850.
• DMV Hearings Division: 1881 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO. Phone: (303) 205-5606.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist you with posting bail.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can provide legal representation and guidance throughout the court process.

What Makes Adams County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Adams County unique:

• Decentralized Vehicle Impoundment: Unlike some jurisdictions with a central impound lot, Adams County uses a rotation list of private towing companies. This means your vehicle could be towed to a lot in Brighton, Arvada, Commerce City, or Westminster depending on where you were arrested. For arrests occurring in Western Adams County, particularly those involving the Arvada Police Department, Connolly’s Towing serves as a primary vendor. You can contact Connolly's Towing at (303) 424-3445.
• Impound Fees: Towing and storage fees can accumulate rapidly. The base tow rate is approximately $180.00, and daily storage fees are around $47.12. An after-hours release fee of approximately $103.70 may apply if you retrieve your vehicle outside of normal business hours.
• Court Security Protocols: Arriving at court can present logistical challenges. Defendants are often stranded at the courthouse post-hearing.
• 7-Day vs. 10-Day DMV Rule: If your breath test was above 0.08, you have only 7 calendar days from the arrest date to request a DMV hearing. The DMV Hearings Division is located at 1881 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will my car be towed after a DUI arrest in Adams County? Your car will be towed to one of several private towing companies on rotation in Adams County. Check with the arresting officer to determine which company towed your vehicle. Connolly's Towing is a primary vendor for arrests in Western Adams County.
2. How much will it cost to get my car out of impound? Expect to pay a base tow rate of around $180.00, plus daily storage fees of approximately $47.12. An after-hours release fee of about $103.70 may also apply.
3. What is the deadline to request a DMV hearing after a breath test failure? If you took a breath test and it registered above 0.08, you have only 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request a DMV hearing. Contact the DMV Hearings Division at (303) 205-5606.

Find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory or browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Adams County.

Sources

• Adams County Detention Facility
• Adams County Justice Center
• Adams County Presumptive Bail Schedule
• Connolly's Towing: Home
• DMV Hearings Division
• Towing Rates - Colorado Public Utilities Commission