Cheyenne County DUI Court Process

Cheyenne County DUI Court Process

Your DUI Case in the Combined Court

The 15th Judicial District processes approximately 15 to 20 DUI filings annually within this eastern plains jurisdiction. A DUI arrest on U.S. Highway 40 or U.S. Highway 385 initiates a dual-track legal process. The criminal case proceeds through the trial court system, while the driver's license action occurs independently through the Colorado Department of Revenue. Resolution of the criminal charges requires appearances at the courthouse in Cheyenne Wells.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

The Combined Court in Cheyenne Wells handles misdemeanor and felony DUI violations.

• Court Location: 51 S. 1st St., P.O. Box 696, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810
• Court Clerk Phone: (719) 767-5649

Your initial court date is written on the summons or bond paperwork issued upon release from the local jail at 91 East 1st St N. You can verify scheduled appearances by calling the court clerk at (719) 767-5649 or checking the Colorado Judicial Branch Trial Court Portal.

The Court Process Timeline

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

The court schedules the arraignment within 30 to 45 days of the arrest. During this proceeding, the judge reads the formal charges, which generally allege violations of C.R.S. § 42-4-1301. Judge Deni Eiring presides over district court matters.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

The discovery process begins after the arraignment. The prosecution must provide the defense with all evidence, including police reports, breathalyzer calibration logs for the Intoxilyzer 9000, and dashcam videos from the arresting agency.

Defense counsel meets with the Deputy District Attorney to discuss evidentiary issues, such as transport delays to Keefe Memorial Hospital for blood draws. Common resolutions include pleading down from a DUI to a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charge, which carries lower mandatory penalties.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

Misdemeanor DUI defendants have a right to a jury trial of six citizens. A bench trial, where the judge decides the verdict, is also an option if both parties agree.

The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Common defenses involve challenging the legality of the initial traffic stop on US-40, disputing the 20-minute observation period required before a breath test, or questioning the accuracy of blood-draw procedures at Keefe Memorial Hospital. Most misdemeanor DUI trials in this jurisdiction conclude within one to two days.

Penalties for DUI under Colorado Law

Penalties escalate based on prior offenses under C.R.S. § 42-4-1307.

First Offense

• Jail Time: 5 days to 1 year. The court may suspend the jail sentence upon successful completion of alcohol evaluation and treatment.
• Fines: $600 to $1,000, plus court costs.
• License Suspension: 9 months.
• Other Requirements: 48 to 96 hours of useful public service, Level II alcohol education and therapy, and installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.

Second Offense

• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 10 consecutive days up to 1 year.
• Fines: $600 to $1,500, plus court costs.
• License Suspension: 1 year.
• Other Requirements: Mandatory 2 years of an Ignition Interlock Device, 48 to 120 hours of community service, Level II therapy, and 2 years of probation.

Third Offense

• Jail Time: Mandatory minimum of 60 consecutive days up to 1 year.
• Fines: $600 to $1,500, plus court costs.
• License Suspension: Indefinite revocation with a minimum of 2 years before eligibility for reinstatement.
• Other Requirements: Mandatory 2 years of an Ignition Interlock Device, 48 to 120 hours of community service, and supervised probation. A fourth DUI offense is classified as a Class 4 felony, carrying 2 to 6 years in prison.

Court Programs in the Wells Jurisdiction

The 15th Judicial District offers an Adult Diversion program located at 110 E Oak St, Lamar, CO. The contact is Tammy Williams at (719) 336-7446. If accepted, the defendant enters a contract to complete conditions, including classes, community service, and sobriety. Upon successful completion, the charges are dismissed and the case is sealed.

There are no specialized drug or DUI courts operating in this local court. Useful public service must be coordinated through the probation department.

What to Bring to Court

You must bring specific items to every court appearance:

• A photo identification card, such as a driver's license or passport.
• Your court summons or bond paperwork.
• Proof of enrollment at Centennial Mental Health Center, if applicable.

The court enforces a professional dress code. Avoid shorts, sandals, hats, or clothing with offensive graphics. Turn off or silence all mobile devices before entering the courtroom.

Local Court Procedures

Arrive at 51 S. 1st St. at least 15 minutes before your scheduled docket time. Report to the clerk’s window or follow signage to the courtroom.

The court strictly monitors compliance with sentencing requirements. For Level II alcohol education and therapy, the primary local provider is Centennial Mental Health Center, located at 80 E 1st St, Suite 2, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810, phone (719) 346-8183. Defendants must complete a pre-sentence alcohol evaluation, which costs approximately $200.

Sources

• Colorado Judicial Branch — Trial Court Portal
• Colorado Judicial Branch — Judges and Staff
• Law Week Colorado — 15th Judicial District Appointment
• Colorado Criminal Law Denver — DUI Court Outcomes and Arrest Trends