Clear Creek County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Clear Creek County, CO: Complete Guide

Facing a DUI arrest in Clear Creek County can be overwhelming. Unlike more populated areas, the county's unique geography and "pass-through" traffic patterns create a specific set of challenges. Because Clear Creek County sees a high volume of arrests from non-residents traveling I-70, the process of navigating the legal system, retrieving your vehicle, and complying with court orders can be particularly complex. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to take after a DUI arrest in Clear Creek County, focusing on local procedures and resources to help you navigate this difficult situation.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Clear Creek County

After being pulled over and arrested for DUI by the Colorado State Patrol, Idaho Springs Police Department, or Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, you'll be taken into custody. The next steps involve booking, potential bond posting, and beginning to navigate the legal and administrative processes that follow. Due to Clear Creek County's location along the I-70 corridor, many arrested individuals are not local residents, which adds complexity to the process of attending court appearances, retrieving your vehicle, and fulfilling court requirements.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: You'll be taken to the Clear Creek County Jail, located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444.
• Processing: During booking, your personal information will be recorded, you will be fingerprinted and photographed, and your belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls. Use these to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
• Bail Setting: A judge will set your bail, or you may be able to post a predetermined bond amount based on the standard bond schedule. For a first or second offense DUI/DWAI (misdemeanor), expect a bond between $500 and $1,000. Felony DUI bonds (3+ priors) can range from $2,000 to $50,000.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you'll be released with a court date and instructions to comply with any bond conditions. Remember that the jail provides a "Bond Complaint Form" upon release, which can be used to file a grievance if statutory limits are violated.

Critical Deadlines

• 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). This hearing is separate from your criminal case and determines whether your driver's license will be suspended.
• Initial Court Appearance: Your court date will be set at the time of your release. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license will be automatically suspended, typically 30 days after the arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Clear Creek County

Clear Creek County actively participates in statewide DUI enforcement campaigns like "The Heat Is On," coordinated by CDOT and NHTSA. Expect increased patrols during holidays and peak travel times.

• Sobriety Checkpoints: Keep an eye out for sobriety checkpoints, especially on Highway 6 in Clear Creek Canyon near the Z-Stop gas station (between Black Hawk and Golden). This location is a known spot where law enforcement intercepts drivers attempting to bypass I-70 congestion or enforcement. These operations can be large, involving dozens of officers from multiple agencies. Remember, while you can legally turn around to avoid a checkpoint if you don’t commit a traffic violation, this maneuver often triggers a stop by a "chase car."
• Saturation Patrols: During enforcement waves like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and New Year's Eve, expect saturation patrols with increased police presence focused solely on DUI detection.

Local Resources

• Clear Creek County Courthouse: 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. Phone: (303) 569-0820. Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The clerk's office is closed daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and closed 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday of each month for staff meetings.
• Clear Creek County Jail: 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444.
• Non-Emergency Dispatch (to locate your vehicle): 303-980-7300
• Bail Bondsmen: (Search online for "bail bondsman near Georgetown CO")
• DUI Attorneys: (Search online for "DUI attorney Clear Creek County CO")

What Makes Clear Creek County Different

Navigating a DUI charge in Clear Creek County presents unique logistical challenges.

• "Pass-Through" Arrests: A significant percentage of DUI defendants are non-residents traveling through the county on I-70. This means you might face the added burden of long-distance travel for court appearances and other requirements.
• Highway 6 Checkpoints: Be aware of the Highway 6 checkpoint near the Z-Stop, a known DUI enforcement hotspot.
• Towing and Impound: Your vehicle is almost certainly impounded by a private towing company on a rotating schedule. Call the non-emergency dispatch (303-980-7300) to confirm which company has your vehicle. Expect to pay between $500 and $800 to retrieve your vehicle, including towing, storage, and potential after-hours release fees.
• Limited Resources: Compared to Front Range jurisdictions, Clear Creek County has fewer local resources like interlock providers and public transportation, making compliance more challenging.

The first step after a DUI arrest in Clear Creek County is to immediately contact the Clear Creek County Combined Court at (303) 569-0820 to confirm your next scheduled appearance.