Chaffee County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Chaffee County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Chaffee County can be a disorienting experience, especially given the county's unique geography. In 2023, the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office alone recorded 39 DUI arrests, a number that doesn't even include those made by other local agencies or the Colorado State Patrol. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance on what to do next, from navigating the booking process to understanding your legal options. It's tailored to the specific realities of Chaffee County, ensuring you're equipped with the information you need to navigate this challenging situation.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

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

1. Arrest: You'll be arrested by one of the primary arresting agencies: the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) for highway violations, the Salida Police Department (SPD) in the Salida area, the Buena Vista Police Department (BVPD) in Buena Vista, or the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) in unincorporated areas.
2. Transport to Detention Center: Regardless of where you're arrested, you will be transported to the Chaffee County Detention Center in Salida. This can be particularly challenging if arrested in Buena Vista, as it involves a roughly 25-mile trip south.
3. Booking: The booking process typically takes 1-2 hours. You will be photographed, fingerprinted, and your belongings will be inventoried.
4. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a phone call, typically after booking. Use this call wisely to contact a loved one, bail bondsman, or attorney.
5. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Processing: You will likely be asked to submit to a chemical test (blood or breath). Refusal can lead to additional penalties, including license suspension.
6. Bail Setting: Bail will be set according to the 11th Judicial District's bond schedule.
7. Release: Release depends on processing speed and sobriety. The Chaffee County jail adheres to strict liability protocols. You will not be released until your BAC has dropped to a "safe" level (typically 0.00% or below 0.02%). If arrested with a high BAC, you may be held for 8-12 hours to metabolize the alcohol.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your case. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• 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 Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failure to request this hearing within the timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Initial Court Appearance: The date of your first court appearance will be on the paperwork you receive upon release. Mark this date clearly, as failure to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the ALR hearing, your license suspension will begin a set number of days after your arrest, which you will be notified of by the DMV.

DUI Enforcement in Chaffee County

Law enforcement in Chaffee County primarily uses high-visibility saturation patrols rather than static sobriety checkpoints. These patrols are often grant-funded through CDOT's "The Heat Is On" campaign. Expect heightened vigilance during these periods:

• Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day: Known as the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer."
• Fourth of July: Multi-agency task forces are often deployed.
• New Year’s Eve: Operations typically run from late December through January 2nd.
• Winter Blitz: Targeted enforcement during January, focusing on ski traffic.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is the dominant agency for highway enforcement on US 50, 285, and 24. Their interdictions often involve higher speeds and are frequently triggered by lane violations or reports from other motorists ("REDDI" reports).

Local Resources

• Chaffee County Combined Court: (No courthouse data available yet)
• Chaffee County Detention Center: Located in Salida, this is where you'll be booked and processed after a DUI arrest.
• Salida Police Department: 448 E 1st St, Salida, CO 81201. Phone: 719-530-2600
• Chaffee County Sheriff's Office: 342 F Street, Salida, CO 81201. Phone: 719-539-2596
• Colorado State Patrol: Contact via *CSP
• Bail Bondsmen: (General info, no specific recommendations) Search online for "bail bonds Chaffee County CO".
• DUI Attorneys: (General info, no specific recommendations) Search online for "DUI attorney Chaffee County CO".

What Makes Chaffee County Different

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

• Geographic Challenges: The distance between Buena Vista and Salida creates logistical challenges. If arrested in Buena Vista, you'll be transported to Salida for booking, potentially leaving you stranded miles from your vehicle and temporary residence upon release.
• Tourism Impact: The high volume of seasonal tourism leads to cyclical enforcement patterns, with increased vigilance during the summer and winter ski seasons.
• Rural Business Hours: Tow yards and other rural businesses often close strictly for lunch (e.g., 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM). Always call ahead to confirm the staff is present.
• Payment Preferences: While credit cards are technically accepted at tow yards, bringing cash is the only way to guarantee a swift transaction and avoid card surcharges.
• Snow Removal: In winter, vehicles left on the shoulder can be towed for snow removal operations.

Before heading to the tow yard, call the Records Division of the arresting agency to determine if there is a "police hold" on your vehicle and obtain a release slip. Contact the Salida Police Department at 719-530-2600 or the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office at 719-539-2596.