Cheyenne County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Cheyenne County.
Typical Bail Range
For a first-offense DUI in Cheyenne County, bail typically ranges from:
First-time DUI offense
Bail Can Be Higher If:
- High BAC level (≥0.15)
- Accident or injury involved
- Minor passenger in vehicle
- Prior DUI offenses
- Probation or parole violation
- Additional charges (evading arrest, assault, etc.)
County Jail Information
Cheyenne County Jail
Inmate Search
Use the online inmate locator to check booking status, bail amount, and release information.
What to Expect
Booking Process
2-8 hours for processing, fingerprinting, and photographing
Arraignment
Within 24-48 hours, bail set by judge
Release Options
Cash bond, bail bond, or personal recognizance (rare for DUI)
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront ($800-$3,000)
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Example: On $800 bail = $80 fee
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Contact a Bail Bondsman
Need fast release in Cheyenne County? Contact a verified 24/7 Bail Bondsman to start the release process immediately.
Find a Bondsman4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
Cheyenne County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in Cheyenne County, Colorado, can be a disorienting experience. One of the first steps toward regaining your freedom is understanding the bail process. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee to the court that you will appear for all scheduled hearings. In Cheyenne County, the specific procedures and amounts can vary, so it's crucial to understand your options.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
The amount of bail required after a DUI arrest in Cheyenne County depends on the specifics of your case, including prior offenses and any aggravating factors. While individual judges have discretion, the 15th Judicial District bond schedule provides a reference point. Keep in mind that these are reference amounts, and the actual bail could be higher or lower.
- First Offense DUI: The standard bond reference amount is $1,000.
- DUI with Prior Offenses: The bond amount usually remains $1,000, but is heavily conditioned. The schedule mandates Monitored Abstinence as an additional bond condition for repeat offenders.
- Felony DUI (4th Offense): Bond escalates significantly, often to $3,000 or higher, and may require a hearing before a judge rather than automatic release on schedule.
How to Post Bail in Cheyenne County
Several options exist for posting bail in Cheyenne County. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Option 1: cash bail
- How it Works: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Cheyenne County Jail.
- Pros: If you appear in court as required, most of the money (minus court costs) is returned to you at the conclusion of the case.
- Cons: Requires a significant upfront cash payment, which can be difficult for many people.
- Where to Pay: At the Cheyenne County Jail, located at 91 East 1st St N, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810.
- Payment Methods: Contact the jail at (719) 767-5633 to confirm accepted payment methods.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it Works: You pay a non-refundable fee (typically 10-15% of the total bail amount) to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- Pros: Requires a much smaller upfront payment than cash bail.
- Cons: The fee is non-refundable, even if you appear in court and the case is dismissed. You may also be required to provide collateral or a co-signer.
- What You'll Need: Identification, information about the arrest (booking number, charges), potentially collateral (such as a car title or property deed), and possibly a co-signer.
- Finding a Bondsman: There are no bail bond offices physically located in Cheyenne Wells. The market is served by regional agencies and "roving" agents who cover the Eastern Plains. You can find a list of licensed bail bondsmen serving the Cheyenne County area in the directory listings on this site.
Option 3: property bond
- How it Works: You use real estate or other property as collateral to secure your release.
- Pros: Avoids the need for cash or a bondsman's fee.
- Cons: The property must be worth significantly more than the bail amount (typically 150-200%), and the process can be lengthy and complex. The court will place a lien on the property, preventing you from selling it until the case is resolved.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it Works: You are released on your own "recognizance," meaning you promise to appear in court without posting any bail.
- Pros: No financial cost.
- Cons: Typically only available to first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low risk of flight.
- Eligibility: The 15th Judicial District utilizes a risk assessment tool (CPAT) to determine eligibility. A "Low Risk" score can lead to PR release.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The time it takes to be released from custody after posting bail can vary.
- Typical Processing Time: Booking in Cheyenne Wells is a manual process performed by the deputy on duty.
- Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours (Monday-Friday) may expedite the process, as more staff are available.
- Potential Delays: Weekends and holidays can cause delays, as can complications with verifying funds or securing a bondsman. For second offenders, the requirement for monitored abstinence creates an immediate bottleneck because SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) providers are not located next door to the jail.
What Happens After Posting Bail
Once you are released on bail, you must adhere to certain conditions.
- Conditions of Release: These may include abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with certain individuals, and remaining within Cheyenne County or Colorado. For repeat offenders, the schedule mandates Monitored Abstinence as an additional bond condition.
- Court Appearance: You will be given a date and time to appear in court. This is a mandatory appearance.
- Consequences of Missing Court: Failure to appear in court can result in the forfeiture of your bail, the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, and additional criminal charges.
Special Considerations in Cheyenne County
Cheyenne County presents unique challenges due to its rural location and limited resources.
- Monitored Abstinence: If Monitored Abstinence is required, the court may allow release with a requirement to install the device within 24-48 hours, but this requires the defendant to travel to a provider in a neighboring county (see Section 7), creating a paradox where they need to travel to comply but may be restricted from driving.
- The 15th JD Diversion Program: Explore Diversion by contacting Tammy Williams at the 15th JD Diversion Program. This is the only "exit ramp" that avoids a permanent criminal conviction.
Navigating the bail process after a DUI arrest in Cheyenne County can be stressful. Understanding your options and acting quickly are essential steps toward resolving your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Cheyenne County Jail located? A: The Cheyenne County Jail is located at 91 East 1st St N, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810.
Q: What is the phone number for the Cheyenne County Jail? A: The phone number for the Cheyenne County Jail is (719) 767-5633.
A: There are no bail bond offices physically located in Cheyenne Wells. The market is served by regional agencies and "roving" agents who cover the Eastern Plains. You can find a list of licensed bail bondsmen serving the Cheyenne County area in the directory listings on this site.