Costilla County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Costilla County.
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
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)
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. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Costilla County Lawyers4. 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.
Navigating DUI Bail in Costilla County: A Practical Guide
Being arrested for DUI in Costilla County can present immediate challenges beyond the legal implications. Unlike larger cities, the rural nature of the San Luis Valley creates unique logistical hurdles, starting with the bail process. If you're arrested by the Costilla County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol, or another agency, understanding your rights and options regarding bail is crucial.
Understanding the Arrest and Initial Detention
Following a DUI arrest, you'll likely be taken to the Costilla County Jail, located at 103 Gasper Street in San Luis, CO 81152. The arresting officer will complete paperwork, and you'll be processed into the jail. The amount of bail, if any, will be determined based on several factors, including your prior criminal record, the severity of the alleged offense, and whether you're considered a flight risk. Given the county's socioeconomic realities, where the median household income hovers around $30,000, even a seemingly small bail amount can be a significant burden.
Bail Options in Costilla County
Colorado law allows for several bail options. You may be eligible for:
- Personal Recognizance Bond (PR Bond): This allows you to be released without paying any money upfront, based on your promise to appear in court. This is more likely if you have strong ties to the community and no prior criminal history.
- Cash Bond: This requires you to pay the full bail amount in cash to the court. If you appear at all required court dates, the money is returned to you at the conclusion of the case.
- Surety Bond: This involves using a bail bondsman. You pay the bondsman a non-refundable percentage of the bail amount (typically 10-20%), and they guarantee your appearance in court.
The Logistical Challenges of Release
Costilla County presents unique logistical challenges after release. The county spans over 1,200 square miles, and public transportation is virtually non-existent. If your vehicle was impounded, you'll need to arrange for its retrieval, which can involve towing fees and storage costs. Keep in mind that a DUI arrest on Highway 160 near La Veta Pass could leave you 20-30 miles from the jail in San Luis.
Immediate Steps After Release
- Contact an Attorney: An experienced DUI attorney familiar with the 12th Judicial District can advise you on your legal rights and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
- Arrange Transportation: If your license is suspended, you cannot drive. Secure a ride from a friend or family member, or explore transportation options to get home and to future court appearances.
- Vehicle Retrieval: Contact the impound lot to determine the location of your vehicle and the fees required for release. Be prepared to show proof of ownership and insurance.
- Understand Court Dates: Make sure you clearly understand your court dates and any conditions of your release. Missing a court date can result in a warrant for your arrest and forfeiture of your bail.
Post-Release Compliance: The "Rural Penalty"
Even after release on bail, the logistical hurdles continue. If convicted, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) and complete alcohol education or therapy. Critically, there are no IID installation centers within Costilla County itself. You'll need to travel to Alamosa (approximately 30-45 minutes away) to providers like Smart Start (1825 State Ave, Alamosa), Intoxalock (locations at Backroads LLC, 1825 State Ave, and Thunder Motor Co, 7302 Rodeo Lane), Guardian Interlock (1825 State Ave), or LifeSafer (Garcia Auto Sales, 1591 State Ave). This creates a "rural penalty," where the costs of compliance are significantly higher due to travel time, fuel expenses, and potential towing fees if you can't legally drive.
Similarly, DUI Level I and II education providers are primarily located in Alamosa, such as Recovery Resources. Telehealth options may be available, but their availability depends on the provider and current regulations.
Support Systems
While limited, support groups like the "Open Door Group" and "Big Book Study" meet sporadically in San Luis (e.g., Wednesdays at 7:00 PM at 1 Canal St or St. Luke Episcopal Church). Verify meeting times before attending. More frequent meetings are available in Alamosa, Fort Garland, and Taos, NM, but probationers must obtain permission before crossing state lines.
Key Contacts
- Costilla County Sheriff's Office: Non-Emergency/Office: (719) 672-0673; Dispatch: (719) 672-3302; Administrative Office: (719) 672-3372.
- Costilla County Jail: 103 Gasper Street, San Luis, CO 81152.
If you are arrested for DUI in Costilla County, contact the Costilla County Sheriff's Office at (719) 672-0673 to inquire about bail procedures and the status of your vehicle.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Costilla County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety