Broomfield County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Broomfield County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Broomfield County can be a disorienting experience. Broomfield's consolidated city-county structure creates a unique legal landscape, streamlining processes for law enforcement but potentially adding complexity for those accused. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the critical first steps after a DUI arrest in Broomfield County, Colorado. We'll cover everything from getting out of jail and understanding bail, to navigating the courts and retrieving your vehicle.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Broomfield County, you'll likely be taken to the Broomfield Detention Center located at 11600 Ridge Parkway, Broomfield, CO 80021. The arresting officer, typically from the Broomfield Police Department (BPD), will process your booking. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. You will be allowed to make phone calls, but remember that all calls from jail are typically recorded.

Bail in Broomfield County for a first-time DUI is generally set at $1,000, according to the 17th Judicial District Bond Schedule. Keep in mind you'll also encounter a $30 booking fee and a $10 bond fee. A critical detail to remember is that the Broomfield Detention Center often requires exact change for cash bonds. So, if your total liability is $1,040, you will need to provide that exact amount. They may not be able to provide change.

Critical Deadlines

After your DUI arrest, you face several critical deadlines:

• ALR Hearing: 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: Your first court appearance, also known as an arraignment, will be scheduled shortly after your arrest. The date will be on the paperwork given to you upon release. It's crucial to attend this hearing, as failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: 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 circumstances of your case.

DUI Enforcement in Broomfield County

Broomfield County, being part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro area, sees consistent DUI enforcement. While specific DUI checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised, it's important to be aware that increased patrols are common during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Broomfield Combined Courts: 17 Descombes Drive, Broomfield, CO 80020
• Broomfield Detention Center: 11600 Ridge Parkway, Broomfield, CO 80021. Main Phone: 720-887-2000 (Automated attendant for inmate search). Inmate Search: (https://egov.broomfield.org/police/detention/activebooking/activebooking.pdf)
• Marv’s Quality Towing (BPD Impounds): 7257 W 116th Place, Broomfield, CO 80020
• Broomfield Police Department Headquarters: 11600 Ridge Parkway, Broomfield, CO 80021
• Impound Payment Policy: CASH ONLY ON IMPOUNDS

What Makes Broomfield County Different

Broomfield County presents unique challenges due to its consolidated city-county status. This "logistical singularity" means that municipal police functions, county detention operations, and combined court services are tightly integrated. This can result in a more rigid and unforgiving procedural pathway compared to larger, more bureaucratically segmented jurisdictions.

A significant challenge is the "cash-only" policy at Marv's Quality Towing, the primary impound vendor for the Broomfield Police Department. This policy, combined with the potential for weekend impounds and daily storage fees, can create a significant financial burden. If you are arrested on a Friday night, you won't be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning, incurring a minimum of three days of storage fees. Be prepared for a cost between $450 and $600 in immediate cash liability.

Furthermore, retrieving your vehicle requires presenting proof of ownership (registration or title), a valid government photo ID, and current proof of insurance. If your driver's license was confiscated at the time of arrest, you will need a passport or temporary State ID to retrieve your vehicle. You will also need a licensed driver to drive the vehicle off the lot.

Remember, navigating the Broomfield County justice system after a DUI arrest requires understanding these local nuances. Start by contacting the Broomfield Detention Center at 720-887-2000 to confirm the exact amount needed for bail and the acceptable forms of payment (cash only).