Crowley County DUI Court Process

Facing a driving under the influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charge under C.R.S. 42-4-1301 initiates two separate legal tracks. The first is an administrative license case with the Colorado Department of Revenue. The second is a criminal case in the state court system. This guide details the criminal court track, court expectations, and local procedures.

Your DUI Case in Crowley County Court

The Crowley County Combined Court in Ordway has jurisdiction over all local misdemeanor traffic offenses and felony DUI charges. Because of the small civilian population of the region, the local court operates with a highly centralized, personal, but strict administration. Anonymity is rare, and the court expects prompt adherence to all schedules and procedural rules.

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

All criminal DUI proceedings in the county are centralized at the main courthouse complex.

• Court Name: Crowley Combined Court
• Address: 110 East 6th Street, Room 303, Ordway, CO 81063
• Clerk Phone: (719) 267-4468
• Fax: (719) 267-3753
• Filing Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The clerk's office is strictly closed for lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. During this hour, the office doors are locked and phone lines roll directly to voicemail. You must plan any filings or inquiries outside of this window.

The Court Process Timeline

The criminal case moves through several distinct phases. Missing any scheduled date will result in the immediate issuance of an arrest warrant.

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

Your initial appearance is scheduled on the date written on your summons or bond paperwork. The judge formally advises you of the charges under C.R.S. 42-4-1301 and explains your constitutional rights.

You must enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a plea of not guilty at this stage to allow time for their attorney to review the evidence. If you cannot afford representation, you may apply for a court-appointed lawyer. The regional office of the Public Defender is located in La Junta and can be reached at (719) 384-5623.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

If you plead not guilty, the court schedules a pre-trial conference. During this phase, your attorney obtains the prosecution's evidence, known as discovery. This packet contains police reports, breathalyzer calibration logs, blood test results, and patrol vehicle video footage.

Defense counsel and the 16th Judicial District Attorney's office then engage in plea negotiations. The prosecutor reviews the chemical test results, driving history, and the legality of the initial traffic stop. Plea agreements in the local court may involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge, such as DWAI, or agreeing to specific probation terms in exchange for dismissed charges.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

If negotiations fail to yield an agreement, the case goes to trial. Misdemeanor DUI trials are heard by a six-person jury. Defendants can waive this right in favor of a bench trial, where the judge decides the verdict.

The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Common defenses focus on the accuracy of chemical tests, the legality of the initial traffic stop, and the timeline of the blood draw. Due to the low docket volume in Ordway, a typical misdemeanor trial concludes within one to two days.

Penalties for DUI

Penalties are governed by C.R.S. 42-4-1301. Sentences increase significantly with subsequent offenses.

First Offense

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

Second Offense

• Jail: 10 days to 1 year. The 10-day minimum is mandatory and must be served consecutively in jail.
• Fines: $600 to $1,500, plus court costs.
• License Suspension: 1 year.
• Public Service: 48 to 120 hours.
• Other Requirements: Mandatory installation of an IID for a minimum of two years and continuous alcohol monitoring.

Third Offense

A third DUI is classified as a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

• Jail: 60 days to 1 year. The 60-day minimum is mandatory and must be served consecutively.
• Fines: $600 to $1,500, plus court fees.
• License Suspension: Indefinite revocation, with eligibility for a restricted license after a designated period.
• Public Service: 48 to 120 hours.
• Other Requirements: Supervised probation, Level II therapy, and continuous alcohol monitoring.

A fourth DUI offense is a Class 4 felony under Colorado law. It carries a potential state prison sentence of 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Court Programs

Specialized programs are limited due to the rural nature of the jurisdiction.

Adult Diversion Program

The 16th Judicial District Attorney offers an Adult Diversion Program. It is highly discretionary. The program is typically reserved for first-time offenders who have a low blood alcohol concentration, no prior criminal history, and whose arrest did not involve a motor vehicle accident or injuries. Successful completion results in the dismissal of all criminal charges.

Probation and Specialty Courts

The court in Ordway does not operate a dedicated specialty DUI or Drug Court docket. High-risk or repeat offenders are instead managed through the standard probation department under Track F.

The probation office is located in Room 302 of the courthouse, and staff can be reached at (719) 384-5973. Community service opportunities must be approved by your probation officer and completed through registered non-profit or government entities.

What to Bring to Court

You must arrive prepared for every court appearance. Bring the following items:

• A valid photo identification card.
• Your physical court summons or bond paperwork.
• Any proof of compliance, such as enrollment in alcohol education classes or proof of an installed IID.

The court enforces a strict dress code. Do not wear shorts, tank tops, sandals, or hats inside the courtroom. Professional clothing is expected.

Local Court Procedures

The local judiciary maintains specific operational rules that differ from larger urban jurisdictions.

Virtual Appearances

The 16th Judicial District permits the use of Webex for routine court appearances, such as advisements and status conferences. You must obtain explicit permission from the presiding judge before appearing virtually. Do not assume a virtual appearance is allowed. If your hearing notice specifies "In Person," you must travel to the courthouse in Ordway.

Pro Se Representation

The court provides access to a Self-Help Coordinator. You can contact them via email at 16thSelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us. The coordinator is legally prohibited from giving legal advice.

Presiding Judges

• Judge Jeremy P. Boyce: Presides over the County Court (Division 1) and hears the majority of misdemeanor DUI cases.
• Judge Samuel S. Vigil: Presides over the District Court (Division B) and hears felony cases, including fourth-offense DUIs or cases involving serious bodily injury.

Sources

• Colorado Judicial Branch — Crowley Location
• Crowley Combined Court Information
• 16th Judicial District Judges and Staff
• Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation — Judge Vigil
• Colorado Judicial Branch Dockets