Boulder County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Boulder County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Boulder County can be a disorienting experience. The immediate aftermath involves navigating legal procedures, understanding your rights, and taking swift action to protect your driving privileges. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect after a DUI arrest in Boulder County and outlines the essential steps you need to take. The process can be complex, involving the 20th Judicial District Courts, the Boulder County Jail, and the Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV).

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Boulder County

Following a DUI arrest, you'll face a series of immediate steps and critical deadlines that will significantly impact your case. Understanding the timeline and your options is crucial. This guide is designed to help you navigate this process.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Boulder County are critical. Here's a general timeline:

• Arrest and Initial Stop: You will be pulled over by a law enforcement officer, most likely from the Boulder Police Department (BPD), the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), or the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).
• Field Sobriety Tests and BAC Test: The officer will likely administer field sobriety tests and request a breath or blood test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC).
• Booking at Boulder County Jail: You will be taken to the Boulder County Jail, located at 3200 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301.9
• Booking Process: At the jail, you will undergo a booking process, including fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening.
• Phone Calls: After booking, you will be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.
• Bail: Bail is set according to a schedule determined by the Colorado Judicial Branch. You can post bond in person or through a licensed bail bondsman.
• Release: According to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, processing and release typically take 4-6 hours, but this can vary depending on the number of arrestees being processed and the time of day.11 Keep in mind that shift changes at the jail around 6:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 10:00 PM can cause delays in processing.
• Vehicle Impound: Your vehicle will likely be impounded. This process is governed by B.R.C. 1981, Chapter 7-7. Contact the arresting agency to determine where your vehicle was towed and what you need to do to retrieve it.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines must be met to protect your rights and driving privileges:

• 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 DMV. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Arraignment: You will receive a summons with a date for your arraignment. This is your first court appearance, where you will be formally advised of the charges against you.
• Compliance with Bond Conditions: If you are released on bond, ensure you comply with all conditions, such as abstaining from alcohol and submitting to drug testing.

DUI Enforcement in Boulder County

DUI enforcement in Boulder County can be rigorous. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released in advance, increased enforcement is often seen during holidays and near the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Be aware that the Boulder Police Department (BPD), the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) all actively conduct DUI enforcement.

Local Resources

• 20th Judicial District Courts: 1777 6th St, Boulder, CO 80302
• Boulder County Jail: 3200 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301 9
• Colorado DMV: Note that the Boulder DMV office is currently closed until further notice. Check the Colorado DMV website for the nearest open location.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: To locate a licensed bail bondsman, you can search the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) database.

What Makes Boulder County Different

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

• The "Impound Loop": As detailed in research, the "Impound Loop" is a significant challenge. Your driver's license, needed to retrieve your vehicle, is often locked inside the impounded car. This requires extra steps to resolve.
• Towing Vendor Locations: Some towing companies used by law enforcement are located outside Boulder County (e.g., Connolly's Towing in Arvada), requiring significant travel to retrieve your vehicle.
• Weekend Impound Restrictions: Marv's Quality Towing, a common impound location, is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, leading to increased storage fees for weekend arrests.
• Shift Change Blackouts at Jail: Processing at the Boulder County Jail can be delayed during shift changes, occurring around 6:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
• Ignition Interlock Device Challenges: Installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) can present unique challenges in Boulder, particularly during winter. The device draws power from the car battery, potentially leading to a dead battery, especially in cold weather. Defendants may need to install a trickle charger to maintain battery life, which can be difficult for those living in apartments or parking on the street. State law requires "Rolling Retests"—random requests for a breath sample while the vehicle is in motion. This can be dangerous while navigating the winding roads of Boulder Canyon or merging onto US-36.

Don't forget to request your ALR hearing with the Colorado DMV within 10 days of your arrest to protect your driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What happens if my driver's license is from out of state?*A: Even with an out-of-state license, you must request an ALR hearing with the Colorado DMV within 10 days to challenge a potential suspension of your driving privileges in Colorado.

**Q: Can I get a temporary driver's license after a DUI arrest?*A: You may be eligible for a temporary driving permit, but it depends on the specifics of your case and whether you request an ALR hearing.

**Q: What if I can't afford to get my car out of impound right away?*A: Storage fees accrue daily, so delaying retrieval will increase the cost. Contact the towing company to discuss payment options, but be aware that they may not offer flexible payment plans.

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

Sources

• Chapter 7 - Towing and Impoundment | Municipal Code | Boulder, CO | Municode Library
• Towing for Police Dept. – Boulder, CO - Marv's Quality Towing Inc
• LAW ENFORCEMENT ORDERED TOW AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS BASE RATE - Marv's Quality Towing Inc
• Connolly's Towing: Home
• We answered your questions about Colorado's Towing Bill of Rights law
• Vehicle Impound – Boulder, CO - Marv's Quality Towing Inc
• Towing Rates - Colorado Public Utilities Commission
• 7981 - MUNI CODE AMEND Section 4-20-55 "Court and Vehicle Impound Costs, Fees, and Civil Penalties", Intro 6/17/14, 2nd Reading and Adoption 7/22/14 - City of Boulder
• Jail Phone Numbers - Boulder County
• Boulder County Jail
• Jail Frequently Asked Questions - Boulder County