Bent County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Bent County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Bent County can be a disorienting experience, especially given the county's unique legal landscape. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance on what to do next. It covers everything from navigating the CoreCivic-managed jail to understanding the complexities of license reinstatement in a county without a full-service DMV. Let's get started with the steps you need to take right now.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Bent County

If you've been arrested for DUI in Bent County, you're likely facing a combination of legal and logistical challenges. This guide is designed to walk you through those challenges, offering practical advice on navigating the local court system, understanding bail procedures, and dealing with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). We'll focus on the specifics of Bent County, from the intricacies of the CoreCivic-operated jail to the challenges of license reinstatement in a rural area.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. Here's a timeline of what to expect:

• Arrest and Booking: You'll be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer, likely from the Bent County Sheriff's Office or the Colorado State Patrol.
• Transportation to Bent County Correctional Facility (BCCF): The booking process takes place at the Bent County Correctional Facility, located at 11560 Road FF.75, Las Animas, CO 81054.
• Booking Process: Because BCCF is managed by CoreCivic and houses medium-security DOC inmates, the booking process is more rigorous than in a typical county jail. Expect deeper background checks and a thorough search for contraband, potentially leading to longer processing times.
• Phone Calls: After booking, you'll generally be allowed to make a phone call. Use this call wisely to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail Determination: If arrested outside of court hours (evenings/weekends), your release will be determined by the 16th Judicial District Bond Schedule.
• Release: If you can post bail, you'll be released. However, if you have prior alcohol-related convictions (DUI, DWAI, or DUID), the Bond Schedule mandates "Monitored abstinence from use of alcohol and illegal drugs" as a condition of release. This means you can't simply post bail and leave; you must demonstrate the ability to comply with monitoring, potentially delaying your release until the next business day.

Critical Deadlines

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

• ALR Hearing Request: You have 7 days from the date of the Notice of Revocation (the yellow temporary permit) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV. This is crucial to try and prevent your license from being suspended.
• Court Appearance Dates: You will receive a summons with your initial court appearance date. Mark this date clearly and be sure to attend. Failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you don't request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the specifics of your case.

DUI Enforcement in Bent County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations aren't publicly released, it's important to understand that DUI enforcement is taken seriously in Bent County. Given the "Convoy Effect" of legal professionals traveling from La Junta, increased law enforcement presence can be anticipated on court docket days (Wednesdays), especially along Highway 50. Keep in mind that Colorado law considers a BAC of 0.08 or higher as evidence of intoxication.

Local Resources

• Bent Combined Court: 725 Bent Avenue, Las Animas, CO 81054. Phone: 719-456-1353 (Clerk: Anita Kuhn). Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Note: The Clerk’s Office is closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
• Bent County Correctional Facility (BCCF): 11560 Road FF.75, Las Animas, CO 81054.
• Online Fine Payments: https://www.its.courts.state.co.us/cjop/
• La Junta DMV (Nearest Full-Service Office): Otero County Courthouse, 13 W. 3rd St, La Junta, CO 81050.
• Lamar DMV: Village Center, Unit 10, 5th and Lee, Lamar, CO 81052.
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info - search online for "bail bonds La Junta CO" as most are located there)
• DUI Attorneys: (General info - search online for "DUI attorney La Junta CO" as most are located there)

What Makes Bent County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Bent County unique:

• CoreCivic Influence: The Bent County Correctional Facility is managed by CoreCivic, leading to stricter security protocols and potentially longer booking times. Detainees are subject to prison-grade disciplinary rules.
• Mandatory Monitored Sobriety: For repeat DUI offenders, the 16th Judicial District Bond Schedule mandates monitored sobriety as a condition of release, potentially delaying your release until you can sign a contract with a monitoring provider.
• Limited Visitation: Bent County uses the HomeWAV platform for visitation, meaning no in-person visits. Video visits are subject to strict scheduling and behavioral monitoring. There are no on-site visitation hours on Saturdays or Sundays.
• The "Lunch Hour" Hard Closure: The Bent County Court Clerk’s Office closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, a hard closure with locked doors, creating a difficult situation for those needing to file documents or pay fines during their lunch break.
• The "Convoy Effect": Because most legal professionals are based in La Junta, court docket days can be impacted by weather conditions on Highway 50.
• DMV "Service Desert": Bent County lacks a full-service DMV, requiring travel to La Junta or Lamar for license reinstatements and hearings.
• Getting Your Car Back: Rural tow operators operate on thin margins and have high rates of non-payment. Consequently, their payment policies are rigid. Cash Only policies are common, or credit card systems that are "down" due to poor cellular service in remote yards.

Navigating a DUI arrest in Bent County requires a clear understanding of these local factors. Remember to request your ALR hearing within 7 days of your arrest. You can mail the request to the DMV in Denver or submit it at the La Junta office.