Boulder County DUI Bail Guide
Bail amounts, how bonds work, and what to expect when getting released.
Last verified: January 2026
DUI Bail Amounts
| Offense | Typical Bail |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense (DWAI/DUI) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| 2nd Offense | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Felony (3rd+ / Vehicular Assault) | $15,000+ |
| With Child Passenger | $10,000+ |
| BAC 0.15%+ (PDD) | Higher Range |
Amounts vary by criminal history, BAC level, and circumstances. Bondsman fee: 10-15% (non-refundable). Colorado's bail reform means more PR bonds may be available.
Where to Post Bail
How Bail Bonds Work
The Process
Contact a bondsman
Available 24/7
Pay 10-15% fee
Non-refundable premium
Bondsman posts bail
They guarantee the court
You're released
Must attend all court dates
Co-Signer Warning
If you co-sign, you are legally responsible if the defendant fails to appear.
- 100% liable for full bail amount
- Collateral (house, car) can be seized
- Cannot cancel once signed
Release Timeline
Booking
2-6 hrsFingerprints, photos, background check
Advisement
24-48 hrsJudge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hrsPaperwork signed, fee paid
Release
2-4 hrsProperty returned
Booking
2-6 hours
Fingerprints, photos, background check
Advisement
24-48 hours
Judge sets bail amount
Bail Posted
1-4 hours
Paperwork signed
Release
2-4 hours
Property returned
Total: 8-24 Hours
Weekends and holidays take longer. Boulder County Jail can be busy.
FAQ
Upon receiving the "Express Consent Affidavit and Notice of Revocation" (the yellow slip) from the police, the defendant has exactly seven days to request a hearing.
DUI Bail in Boulder County, Colorado: A Local Guide
Navigating the legal system after a DUI arrest in Boulder County can be confusing, especially when it comes to bail. This guide provides locally-focused information to help you understand the process.
Boulder County Bail Schedule
Boulder County uses a bail schedule to expedite releases for common offenses when a judge isn't available. For a first-time DUI misdemeanor, the standard bond is often $1,000. If you have prior DUI convictions (or a charge of DUR-Alcohol), the bond amount increases to $3,000. Note that cases involving aggravating factors may require a judicial appearance before bail is set.
Weekend Bond Hearings
Boulder County holds "Weekend Bond Hearings," but if a defendant misses the cutoff (usually early morning), they may remain incarcerated until the next docket, potentially turning a Friday arrest into a Monday release.
Posting Bail: Options and Payment
Family members can post bond remotely online or via phone through AllPaid, a significant logistical improvement. However, the verification process can take time.
TouchPay Kiosks are located in the jail lobby and accept cash and cards but charge service fees.
Release Logistics and the "Dead Phone Phenomenon"
Be aware of the "Dead Phone Phenomenon" upon release. If your phone was confiscated during booking, it may be dead when you are released in the early morning hours. This can make it difficult to arrange transportation from the jail, located on Airport Road, especially since public transit options are limited at that hour. The jail lobby may have a public phone, but without memorized numbers, this may not be helpful.
The Boulder County Jail Experience
The Boulder County Jail is located at 3200 Airport Road, Boulder, CO 80301. The Sheriff's Office advises that individuals can normally be processed and released within 4-6 hours. However, processing times can vary, especially if multiple arrests occur simultaneously.
Shift Change Blackouts
Be aware that operational "blackouts" occur due to shift changes and inmate counts, typically around 6:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. During these times, movement within the facility is frozen, and administrative processing stops, including bond posting and release.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Historically, Boulder had a DMV Driver License office at 2850 Iris Ave. This office is closed. A defendant attempting to go to the "Boulder DMV" to request a hearing will find themselves at a closed building or an office that does not handle hearings. They must travel to Longmont or Golden, or navigate the online/email request system.
Requests can be emailed to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us.
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