Arapahoe County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Arapahoe County, CO: Complete Guide

A DUI arrest in Arapahoe County initiates a complex legal and logistical process. As the third-most populous county in Colorado, Arapahoe County sees a significant volume of DUI cases, requiring a robust enforcement and judicial system. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the aftermath of a DUI arrest specifically within Arapahoe County, focusing on critical deadlines, local procedures, and available resources. Understanding the system is the first step towards protecting your rights and future.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Arapahoe County, the immediate aftermath involves several key steps.

• Arrest and Booking: You will be taken into custody by the arresting agency, which could be the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Parker Police Department, Aurora Police Department, or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). The booking process typically occurs at the Arapahoe County jail.
• Processing: Expect to be processed, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening. Processing times can vary.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a limited number of phone calls. Contacting a DUI attorney should be a priority.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can severely impact your case. Be aware of these crucial timelines:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a summons with your first court appearance date. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended, the length of which depends on the specifics of your case.

DUI Enforcement in Arapahoe County

Arapahoe County employs various strategies to combat DUI. While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised, be aware of increased patrols during holidays and weekends. The high traffic density, with approximately 820 people per square mile, particularly in areas like Aurora and Centennial, necessitates a robust enforcement infrastructure.

Local Resources

• Arapahoe County Court Information:

• Address: 2821 S Parker Rd Ste 865, Aurora, CO 80014

• Phone: +1-720-369-4929

• Pay fines online: https://www.its.courts.state.co.us/cjop/

• Bail Bondsmen: (General info - research your options) Search online for "bail bonds Arapahoe County CO"

• DUI Attorneys: (General info - research your options) Search online for "DUI attorney Arapahoe County CO"

What Makes Arapahoe County Different

Arapahoe County has unique aspects to its DUI process:

• Privatized Towing: Unlike some jurisdictions, Arapahoe County relies on private towing companies. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Parker Police Department, and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) primarily use 1st Class Towing. This introduces a profit-driven dynamic into the vehicle recovery process.
• The "Weekend Trap": A DUI arrest on a Friday night or weekend can lead to significant impound costs due to the limited operating hours of 1st Class Towing (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). A vehicle towed on Friday night might not be retrievable until Monday morning, accruing significant storage fees ($47/day) and administrative fees ($75-$150).
• Impound Location: If arrested by ACSO/CSP/Parker PD, your vehicle will likely be towed to 1st Class Towing at 10274 Dransfeldt Rd in Parker, Colorado. If arrested by Aurora PD, your car will be at the Aurora Impound Lot at 19900 E. Colfax Ave. Denver Police may take vehicles to the Denver Sheriff Department’s Impound Facility on York Street if the incident occurs on the county line.
• Cost of Recovery: Expect to pay around $500-$600 just to recover your vehicle after a weekend arrest due to base towing fees ($279), storage fees, and administrative fees.
• Online Fine Payments: Arapahoe County offers the convenience of paying court fines online through the state court's website: https://www.its.courts.state.co.us/cjop/

After a DUI arrest in Arapahoe County, your next immediate step should be to request your ALR hearing with the DMV within 10 days of your arrest. You can start this process by contacting the Colorado DMV or consulting with a qualified DUI attorney.