Conejos County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Conejos County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Conejos County can be a disorienting experience. Unlike urban areas, the county's rural nature and recent displacement of court functions create unique challenges. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the legal process, focusing on Conejos County’s specific procedures and resources. Due to the courthouse fire in August 2024, all court functions have been temporarily moved to a facility in Antonito, requiring you to verify all information.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Conejos County

Following a DUI arrest in Conejos County, you will be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer, often from the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). You will be transported to the Conejos County Detention Center located at 14044 County Road G.5, Antonito, CO 81120. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information. It’s crucial to remain calm and polite, but invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• At the Scene: The arresting officer will likely request you to perform field sobriety tests and/or submit to a breathalyzer test. Refusal to take a breathalyzer will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Booking: Upon arrival at the Conejos County Detention Center, the booking process typically takes 1-3 hours.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls after booking is complete. Use one of these calls to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a family member who can assist with posting bail.
• Bail: Bail amounts in Conejos County are set according to the 12th Judicial District Bond Schedule. For a first-time DUI, the standard bond is $1,000.00 cash or surety. If you have a prior DUI conviction, you will face a higher bond amount and a mandatory condition of Monitored Abstinence, which may require a SCRAM ankle bracelet. The Booking/Inmate Info Phone number is (719) 376-6778 if you need to verify bond requirements. Be prepared to pay a $10.00 mandatory state bond fee and an approximate $30.00 booking fee. The Sheriff's Office requires exact change, so bring small denominations.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only seven days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to contest your license suspension.
• First Court Appearance: The date of your first court appearance will be indicated on the paperwork you receive at the jail. Due to the courthouse fire, all court appearances are currently held at 603 Main Street, Antonito.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be automatically suspended. The suspension period varies depending on the circumstances of your arrest and your prior record.

DUI Enforcement in Conejos County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released, be aware that the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Colorado State Patrol, conducts DUI enforcement throughout the county. Given the proximity to mountain passes and recreational areas, expect increased patrols during weekends and holidays.

Local Resources

• Conejos County Court: Due to the courthouse fire, all court proceedings are being held at 603 Main Street, Antonito. The general inquiries phone number is (719) 376-5465.
• Conejos County Detention Center: 14044 County Road G.5, Antonito, CO 81120. Booking/Inmate Info Phone: (719) 376-6778.
• Conejos County Sheriff’s Office: 14044 County Road G.5, Antonito, CO 81120. Admin Phone: (719) 376-2196.
• Alamosa Driver License Office: 702 Del Sol Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101. Phone: (303) 205-5600. Closed 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM daily.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail. Be aware that most agents dispatch from Alamosa (30 minutes away) or even Pueblo/Colorado Springs (2-3 hours away). Some bail bondsmen serving Conejos County are Angels & Outlaws Bail Bonds: (719) 696-9088, Bail City Bail Bonds: (855) 707-2245, and Southern Colorado Bail Bonds: (719) 583-2663.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can provide legal representation and guidance throughout the court process.

What Makes Conejos County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Conejos County unique:

• Temporary Courthouse Location: All court proceedings are currently held at 603 Main Street, Antonito, due to the courthouse fire.
• Remote Bail Bond Agents: Bail bond agents are not physically located in Antonito, potentially causing delays in posting bail.
• Mandatory Monitored Abstinence: If you have a prior DUI conviction, the 12th Judicial District mandates Monitored Abstinence as a condition of your bond.
• "Exact Change" Policy: The Sheriff's Office requires exact change for fees.
• Remote DMV: All driver's license services require travel to the Alamosa DMV.
• Impound Location Variability: Your vehicle could be towed to locations as far away as Trinidad, CO, over 90 miles away.
• Monitored Abstinence Logistics: There are no SCRAM providers in Antonito. You will need to travel to Alamosa to get fitted with a SCRAM (alcohol monitoring) ankle bracelet or setup remote breath testing.
• Winter IID Issues: San Luis Valley is known for extreme cold, with winter temperatures frequently dropping to -20°F or lower. IID units are electronic devices that draw power from the car battery. In extreme cold, car batteries lose amperage capacity. The IID's constant draw can kill a weak battery overnight.

Before heading to the Conejos County Detention Center to post bail, call (719) 376-6778 to confirm the exact amount due, acceptable payment methods, and whether they've received the faxed bond paperwork from the bail bondsman. Remember to bring small denominations and assume exact change is required.