Alamosa County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Alamosa County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Alamosa County can feel overwhelming. You're likely facing immediate questions about your driver's license, your vehicle, and your freedom. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step overview of what to expect and what actions you need to take now in Alamosa County. This guide is designed to help you navigate the complexities of the Alamosa County DUI process, from understanding the dual legal tracks to recovering your vehicle.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Alamosa County

After a DUI arrest, you'll be facing two separate but interconnected legal processes: a criminal case in the 12th Judicial District Court and an administrative case with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failing to understand this "dual-track" system is a common pitfall for defendants and can lead to preventable license revocation, even if the criminal case is resolved favorably. This guide will help you understand both.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Here's a timeline of what generally happens in the first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Alamosa County:

• Arrest and Booking: You'll be arrested by either the Alamosa Police Department (APD), the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). You'll then be taken to the Alamosa County Jail, located at 1315 17th Street, Alamosa, Colorado 81101. Phone: 719.589.6608.
• Processing: At the jail, you'll be photographed, fingerprinted, and your personal belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, typically after the booking process is complete. Use these calls wisely to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set according to a pre-determined schedule, or by a judge. Information on legal rights related to posting money bond can be found on the Alamosa County website. Bail Bondsman options are available through Bail City Bail Bonds and Angels Outlaws Bail Bonds.
• Release: Once bail is posted, or if you are released on your own recognizance (ROR), you'll be released from custody with a court date.

Critical Deadlines

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

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only seven (7) days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV. Failing to request this hearing within the deadline automatically suspends your driver's license.
• Court Appearance: Your court date will be set at the time of your release. Mark this date on your calendar and make sure you attend. Failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Alamosa County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations and saturation patrol schedules are not publicly advertised, it's important to be aware that law enforcement agencies in Alamosa County actively enforce DUI laws. Given the county's location serving as the commercial and judicial hub for the San Luis Valley, increased traffic on Highway 160 may indicate increased DUI enforcement.

Local Resources

• Alamosa County Court: Alamosa Combined Court, Colorado Judicial Branch, https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/alamosa-county
• Alamosa County Jail: 1315 17th Street Alamosa, Colorado 81101 T: 719.589.6608. https://www.alamosacounty.org/244/County-Jail
• Alamosa County Probation: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/courts/trial-courts/alamosa-county/alamosa-county-probation
• Alamosa County DMV: https://www.alamosacounty.org/165/Department-of-Motor-Vehicles
• Bail Bondsmen: Bail City Bail Bonds (https://bailcitybailbonds.com/locations/colorado/alamosa-county/), Angels Outlaws Bail Bonds (https://angelsoutlawsbb.com/home/alamosa-colorado-bail-bonds/)
• Ignition Interlock Providers: Smart Start (1825 State Ave Ste 15, Alamosa, CO 81101), Intoxalock (Backroads LLC, Alamosa, CO 81101)
• Online Payments: https://www.its.courts.state.co.us/cjop/

What Makes Alamosa County Different

Alamosa County presents unique challenges for DUI defendants due to its geography, climate, and socio-economic factors.

• High Altitude and Extreme Climate: Alamosa's high altitude (over 7,500 feet) and extreme winter temperatures can negatively impact Ignition Interlock Device (IID) performance, leading to false positives and vehicle lockouts. If you are required to install an IID, be aware of this issue and take precautions to protect the device from extreme cold.
• Economic Factors: The median household income in Alamosa County is significantly lower than the state average, making the financial burden of a DUI (fines, fees, interlock costs) disproportionately impactful.
• Geographic Isolation: The vastness of the San Luis Valley and limited public transportation options can make it difficult for defendants living in remote areas to attend court appearances or DMV hearings. This increases the risk of Failure to Appear (FTA) warrants.
• Rotation Tow List: If your vehicle was impounded, it was likely towed by a company on a rotation list, meaning you had no choice in the selection. Contact the arresting agency to find out which company has your vehicle.

After a DUI arrest in Alamosa County, securing your release on bail is paramount. Contact the Alamosa County Jail at 1315 17th Street, Alamosa, Colorado 81101, or call them at 719.589.6608 to inquire about bail procedures.