Clear Creek County License Hearing Guide

Navigating a DUI in Clear Creek County: A Detailed Guide

Facing a DUI charge in Clear Creek County, Colorado, presents unique challenges. Unlike Denver or Boulder, the county's geography and demographics create a complex logistical landscape. This guide provides actionable information to help you understand the process, from arrest to court, and manage the practical hurdles along the way.

Understanding Clear Creek County's DUI Landscape

Clear Creek County's DUI enforcement is heavily influenced by its location along I-70. With a resident population of just over 9,000, a significant portion of DUI arrests involve non-residents passing through on their way to ski resorts, casinos in Black Hawk, or other mountain destinations. This "pass-through" dynamic means you'll likely be dealing with local agencies even if you live elsewhere, requiring careful planning for court appearances and vehicle retrieval.

Phase 1: Arrest and Initial Steps

DUI enforcement is primarily handled by the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, and the Idaho Springs Police Department. Knowing which agency made the arrest is crucial for locating your vehicle and obtaining the police report.

Action: If arrested, immediately ask the arresting officer which agency they represent. This will help you later when contacting dispatch.

Clear Creek County participates in "The Heat Is On" campaigns, increasing patrols during peak travel times. Sobriety checkpoints are also deployed, notably on Highway 6 near the Z-Stop gas station between Black Hawk and Golden. Even legally turning around to avoid a checkpoint can trigger a stop by a waiting officer.

Phase 2: Jail and Bond

After arrest, you'll likely be taken to the Clear Creek County Detention Facility at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. You have the right to make a reasonable number of phone calls, and you must be allowed to contact an attorney.

Action: If you are injured, request medical attention.

Colorado law requires you to be taken before a judge "without unnecessary delay," but no later than 48 hours after arrest. The jail provides a "Bond Complaint Form" if this limit is violated. Standard bond for a first or second DUI/DWAI is typically $500 to $1,000. Felony DUI bonds (3+ priors) can range from $2,000 to $50,000.

Action: To send mail to an inmate, address it to P.O. Box 518, Georgetown, CO 80444. Personal checks are not accepted for inmate accounts; use money orders or the Access Corrections kiosk in the jail lobby.

Phase 3: Vehicle Impound and Recovery

Your vehicle will almost certainly be impounded after a DUI arrest. Clear Creek County uses a rotation of private towing companies, not a central police impound lot.

Action: Call the non-emergency dispatch at 303-980-7300 to confirm which company has your vehicle. Do not assume based on the location of the arrest.

Primary towing providers include:

• Clear Creek County Towing & Recovery
• Georgetown Towing
• I-70 Towing

Towing fees are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), but "incident management" tows (like DUI arrests) allow for higher rates. Expect to pay approximately $279.78 per hour for vehicles under 10,000 lbs, plus $47.12 to $58.13 per 24-hour period for storage. After-hours release fees can add another $103.70. A typical DUI impound retrieval (towed Friday night, picked up Monday morning) will likely cost between $500 and $800.

Action: Before going to the tow yard, confirm there is no "Police Hold" on the vehicle. Bring your valid photo ID, current registration or title, and current insurance card/policy. If your license was seized, bring a licensed second driver. You are entitled to retrieve "life-essential" personal property from the vehicle without paying the full tow bill immediately.

Phase 4: Navigating the Court System

DUI cases are adjudicated at the Clear Creek County Courthouse, located at 405 Argentine Street, Georgetown, CO 80444. The courthouse is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., but the clerk's office closes daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Thursday of each month. All entrants pass through metal detectors.

Action: Contact the Clear Creek County Combined Court at (303) 569-0820 to confirm your court date and time.