Adams County DUI Court Guide

Your DUI Case in Adams County Court

Being arrested for a DUI in Adams County, Colorado, can be a stressful and confusing experience. Understanding the court process is crucial to navigating the legal system effectively. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you can expect as your case moves through the Adams County courts.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

DUI cases in Adams County are generally handled by the Adams County Criminal Court, which is part of the 17th Judicial District of Colorado. This court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor and felony DUI offenses occurring within the county.

The Adams County Justice Center houses the courtrooms. The address is 1100 Judicial Center Dr, Brighton, CO 80601. You can contact the Clerk of the Court and various court divisions at (303) 659-1161.

To find your specific court date and courtroom, you can contact the Clerk of the Court.

The Court Process Timeline

The DUI court process in Adams County typically follows these steps:

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

The arraignment is your first official appearance in court. It usually happens within a few weeks of your arrest.

• When it happens: This is your initial court appearance after being charged with DUI.
• What to expect: At the arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you, your rights, and the potential penalties you face. The judge will also review the conditions of your bond and may modify them if necessary.
• Entering a plea: You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. It is generally advisable to plead not guilty at this stage, as this allows you time to review the evidence and explore your legal options.
• Getting a court-appointed attorney: If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a public defender at the arraignment. The court will assess your financial situation to determine if you qualify for court-appointed counsel.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

Pre-trial hearings are an essential part of the DUI court process.

• Discovery process: During this phase, your attorney will have the opportunity to review the evidence the prosecution intends to use against you. This includes police reports, breath or blood test results, and witness statements.
• Plea negotiations: Your attorney may engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor to potentially reduce the charges or penalties you face.
• Typical plea deals in Adams County: Plea deals can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, your prior criminal record, and the strength of the evidence against you. Common plea deals may involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge, such as driving while ability impaired (DWAI), or agreeing to a specific sentence.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

If you and the prosecutor cannot reach a plea agreement, your case will proceed to trial.

• Jury vs. bench trial: You have the right to choose between a jury trial and a bench trial. In a jury trial, a panel of your peers will decide your guilt or innocence. In a bench trial, the judge will make the decision.
• What prosecution must prove: To convict you of DUI, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This typically involves presenting evidence of your blood alcohol content (BAC) or impairment.
• Common defenses: Common defenses to DUI charges include challenging the accuracy of the breath or blood test, arguing that the police lacked probable cause to stop you, or presenting evidence that you were not impaired.
• Typical trial length: The length of a DUI trial can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but it typically lasts several days.

Penalties for DUI in Adams County, CO

The penalties for DUI in Colorado are determined by Colorado state law.

First Offense

• Jail time: CO law § 42-4-1307 states that a first DUI offense can result in a jail sentence ranging from five days to one year.
• Fines: Fines for a first DUI offense can range from $600 to $1,000, as per CO law § 42-4-1307.
• License suspension: A first DUI offense typically results in a license suspension of nine months.
• Other requirements: You may also be required to complete alcohol education classes, perform community service, and install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle.

Second Offense

A second DUI offense carries more severe penalties.

• Jail time: CO law § 42-4-1307 mandates a jail sentence of ten days to one year for a second DUI offense.
• Fines: Fines can range from $600 to $1,500.
• License suspension: The license suspension period is typically one year.
• Mandatory IID: Installation of an IID is mandatory.

Third Offense

A third DUI offense is a felony in Colorado.

• Prison time: A third DUI offense can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to six years.
• Fines: Fines can be significant, potentially reaching several thousand dollars.
• Permanent revocation risk: You face the risk of permanent driver's license revocation.

Court Programs in Adams County

Adams County offers several court programs that may be available to DUI offenders.

• Drug court: The Adams County Justice Center has a Drug Court/Division DC located in room 606. This program is designed for individuals with substance abuse issues and provides intensive supervision and treatment.
• Community service opportunities: The court may order you to perform community service as part of your sentence.

What to Bring to Court

When attending court in Adams County, it is essential to bring the following items:

• Photo ID: A valid driver's license or other government-issued photo ID.
• Court summons: The official notice you received informing you of your court date and time.
• Any documentation: Any relevant documents related to your case, such as police reports, test results, or witness statements.
• Professional dress code: Dress professionally and respectfully. Avoid wearing casual clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, or flip-flops.

Local Court Procedures

The Adams County Justice Center has specific security protocols.

• Prohibited items: Be aware that certain items are prohibited from being brought into the Adams County Justice Center.
• Electronic devices: Defendants cannot bring their phones inside the courthouse due to security protocols and have no car to store it in.
• Dress code: Dress professionally and respectfully.

Navigating the Adams County DUI court process can be challenging. Consulting with a qualified DUI attorney is highly recommended to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How soon after my arrest will my arraignment be scheduled in Adams County? The arraignment is usually scheduled within a few weeks of your arrest. Contact the Clerk of the Court at the Adams County Justice Center at (303) 659-1161 to confirm your court date.
2. If I can't afford an attorney, how do I request a public defender in Adams County? You can request a public defender at your arraignment. The court will assess your financial situation to determine if you qualify for court-appointed counsel.
3. Where is the Adams County Detention Facility located? The Adams County Detention Facility is located at 150 N 19th Ave, Brighton. You can contact them at (303) 654-1850 for booking and bond information.

Sources

• Adams County Justice Center
• Adams County Detention Facility
• Adams County Presumptive Bail Schedule for Individuals Arrested as of September 2, 2025
• Adams County Prohibited Items for Entry into County Buildings
• DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, Colorado 80601 COURT USE ONLY Pl
• Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1307