Adams County DUI Bail Guide

Adams County Bail Process After DUI Arrest

Being arrested for DUI in Adams County, Colorado, can be a stressful experience. Understanding the bail process is crucial to securing your release and beginning to address the charges against you. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. It allows you to be released from jail while your case is pending. This guide provides a step-by-step explanation of the bail process in Adams County following a DUI arrest.

Understanding Bail in Adams County

In Adams County, bail serves as an incentive for you to attend all scheduled court appearances. After being arrested for DUI, you will be taken to the Adams County Detention Facility (ACDF) located at 150 N 19th Ave, Brighton.11 During the booking process, the jail staff will determine your eligibility for release based on the Adams County bond schedule or a judge's order. The amount of bail depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and potential flight risk.

Typical Bail Amounts for DUI

Bail amounts in Adams County are determined by a presumptive bond schedule. While these amounts can vary, here are some typical ranges you can expect:

• First Offense DUI (Misdemeanor): Approximately $1,000
• DUI with Prior Offenses: Varies, typically between $1,000 and $2,000, with Monitored Sobriety Mandatory.
• Felony DUI (4th Offense): $3,000 or higher, often with Monitored Abstinence and Travel Restrictions.

These amounts are based on the 2025 Presumptive Bail Schedule for Adams County. For DWAI, the standard bond is approximately $800.

How to Post Bail in Adams County

There are several options for posting bail in Adams County:

Option 1: Cash Bail

• Process: You can pay the full bail amount in cash directly to the Adams County Detention Facility.
• Refund: If you attend all required court appearances, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you after your case concludes.
• Payment: Contact the Adams County Detention Facility at (303) 654-1850 for accepted payment methods.

Option 2: Bail Bondsman

• Process: A bail bondsman guarantees your appearance in court by posting a bond on your behalf. In return, you pay the bondsman a non-refundable fee, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount.
• Requirements: You will likely need to provide the bondsman with identification, potential collateral (such as a car title or property deed), and possibly a co-signer who agrees to be responsible if you fail to appear in court.
• Finding a Bondsman: Directory listings for licensed bail bondsmen serving the Adams County area are available on this website.

Option 3: Property Bond

• Process: Instead of cash, you can use real property as collateral to secure your release.
• Requirements: The property's value must typically be 150-200% of the bail amount to ensure sufficient coverage.
• Timeline: Processing a property bond often takes longer than cash or surety bonds, as it requires an appraisal and legal review.

Option 4: Personal Recognizance (PR Bond)

• Process: A PR bond allows you to be released on your own promise to appear in court, without paying any bail amount upfront.
• Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low risk of failing to appear.
• Adams County Considerations: The decision to grant a PR bond is at the discretion of the judge or magistrate and depends on the specific circumstances of your case.

Timeline: How Long Until Release?

The time it takes to be released after posting bail can vary. Here's a general timeline:

• Processing Time: Typical processing time at the Adams County Detention Facility can range from 2 to 6 hours. The releasing of inmates held at the Adams County Detention Facility is an extensive process that has many factors.
• Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours (Monday-Friday) may expedite the release process, as more staff are available to handle the paperwork.
• Potential Delays: Delays can occur due to high jail population, staffing shortages, or complications with verifying the bail payment.

What Happens After Posting Bail

Once you post bail and are released from the Adams County Detention Facility, it is crucial to understand your obligations:

• Conditions of Release: You may be subject to certain conditions of release, such as abstaining from alcohol or drugs, avoiding contact with specific individuals, or remaining within Adams County.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice to appear in court on a specific date and time. It is imperative that you attend all scheduled court appearances.
• Consequences of Missing Court: Failing to appear in court can result in the forfeiture of your bail, the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, and additional criminal charges.

Special Considerations in Adams County

The Adams County DUI system presents unique challenges. The 17th Judicial District criminal proceedings and the Colorado DMV administrative actions run on separate tracks, requiring you to address both simultaneously. The Adams County Justice Center is located at 1100 Judicial Center Dr, Brighton.12 Be aware that you cannot bring your phone inside the courthouse due to security protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I pay cash bail in Adams County? A: You pay cash bail directly to the Adams County Detention Facility located at 150 N 19th Ave, Brighton, CO 80601. Contact them at (303) 654-1850 to confirm accepted payment methods.

Q: What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test in Adams County? A: Refusing a breathalyzer test triggers the 7-day DMV rule, requiring you to request a hearing with the DMV Hearings Division at (303) 205-5606 within 7 calendar days from your arrest to avoid automatic license revocation.

Q: What happens if I miss the 7-day deadline to request a DMV hearing? A: Missing the 7-day deadline results in automatic license revocation without the possibility of a probationary license (Red License) for at least 30 days.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Adams County in our bail bond directory.

Sources

• Inmate Services - Adams County Sheriff Office
• Adams County Detention Facility
• Adams County Justice Center
• ADAMS COUNTY PRESUMPTIVE BAIL SCHEDULE FOR INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED AS OF September 2, 2025
• DMV Hearings Division