Arapahoe County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Arapahoe County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Arapahoe County can be a disorienting experience. The process involves immediate legal and administrative actions that demand swift attention. This guide provides a clear overview of the steps you need to take, the deadlines you must meet, and the resources available to navigate the complex DUI process in Arapahoe County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Arapahoe County, the arresting officer will typically transport you to the Arapahoe County Detention Facility (ACDF) located at 7375 S. Potomac Street in Centennial. Upon arrival, you'll undergo a standardized intake process. This includes:

• Medical screening: A health assessment to identify any immediate medical needs.
• Property surrender: You will be required to surrender all personal belongings, which will be stored securely until your release.
• Fingerprinting (biometrics): Your fingerprints will be taken and entered into the system.

This intake process also triggers immediate financial liabilities. A $40.00 non-refundable booking fee is assessed against your inmate account. There is also a $10.00 fee attached to the posting of any bond.

While ACDF operates 24/7, administrative throughput regarding release is not continuous. The facility operates on a shift-based schedule that introduces delays known as "lockdowns" or "counts" at specific intervals (typically morning, afternoon, and evening). During these periods, inmate movement ceases, and release processing is suspended until the count clears, which can add 45 to 90 minutes to the release time. Once the bond is posted and the count is clear, the average processing time for release is generally 2 to 6 hours.

After booking, you'll typically be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines arise immediately after a DUI arrest in Arapahoe County:

• ALR Hearing Request: If you took a breath test or refused testing, the arresting officer issues a yellow "Express Consent Affidavit and Notice of Revocation," serving as a temporary 7-day driving permit. You must request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) Hearings Division within seven calendar days of the arrest to contest your license suspension. The seven-day deadline includes weekends and holidays. If a blood test was administered, you retain your license initially, and the DMV mails a Notice of Revocation once the results return (if above the legal limit). The 7-day (or sometimes 10-day, depending on the postmark date specified in the letter) clock starts from the date of that notice, not the arrest.
• Court Appearance Date: You'll receive a summons with your first court appearance date. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing within 7 days, or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. A first offense typically results in a 9-month revocation.

DUI Enforcement in Arapahoe County

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office actively enforces DUI laws.

Local Resources

• Arapahoe County Justice Center (ACJC): 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO. The ACJC houses the County Court and District Court.
• Arapahoe County Detention Facility (ACDF): 7375 S. Potomac Street, Centennial, CO.
• Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) Hearings Division: To request an ALR hearing, you can email dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us, fax 303-205-5960, or mail a request to Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Control Section, PO Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217.
• Arapahoe County Driver License Office: 5120 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO. This office handles reinstatements and ID cards but not ALR hearings.

To find a licensed bail bondsman, you can conduct a directory search using the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

What Makes Arapahoe County Different

A specific friction point in Arapahoe County is the lack of a transparent, public-facing online warrant check system provided by the Sheriff's Office. Also, the Arapahoe County Justice Center has integrated Webex for certain proceedings, though this is inconsistent across divisions and is not a guaranteed right. Virtual appearance usually requires a prior motion and judicial approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will I be taken after a DUI arrest in Arapahoe County? A: You will likely be taken to the Arapahoe County Detention Facility (ACDF) at 7375 S. Potomac Street in Centennial.

Q: How long do I have to request an ALR hearing in Arapahoe County? A: You have seven calendar days from the date of your arrest (or from the date of the Notice of Revocation if a blood test was taken) to request an ALR hearing.

Q: Where can I reinstate my driver's license after a DUI suspension in Arapahoe County? A: You can reinstate your license at the Arapahoe County Driver License Office located at 5120 East Arapahoe Road in Centennial, CO.

The most critical step you can take immediately is to request an ALR hearing by emailing dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us to protect your driving privileges.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen in our bail bond directory or find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory.

Sources

• Police Hold - Vehicle Release - 1st Class Towing
• Arapahoe County Jail Lawyer | Detention Facility Attorneys - Sawyer Legal Group, LLC
• Jail Intake / Entry in Denver | County Jail System in Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, Adams County - Sawyer Legal Group, LLC
• Arapahoe County | Colorado Judicial Branch
• Arapahoe County Justice Center - Colorado Judicial Branch
• Arapahoe County Courthouse Guide: Centennial - Path Forward Legal
• 18th Judicial District Arapahoe County Combined Courts
• Arapahoe County Court
• Arapahoe County Judges and Staff | Colorado Judicial Branch
• Arapahoe County Justice Center 202 | Colorado Judicial Branch
• Arapahoe County Justice Center 405 | Colorado Judicial Branch
• Arapahoe County Justice Center 101 | Colorado Judicial Branch
• Hearings Division | Colorado Department of Revenue
• Driver License Office Locations | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle - Colorado DMV