Custer County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Custer County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. In Custer County, the situation is further complicated by the county's unique geography and reliance on inter-jurisdictional agreements for detention. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future. Notably, Custer County deputies often exercise high discretion in "community caretaking" functions, but DUI enforcement remains a zero-tolerance priority due to the high lethality risk on unlit, winding mountain roads like Highway 69.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest are critical. Here's a timeline of what you can expect:

1. Arrest: You will be arrested by a Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy or a Colorado State Patrol (CSP) trooper.
2. Transport to Fremont County Detention Center (FCDC): Since the Custer County Jail closed on January 6, 2023, you will be transported approximately 33 miles to the Fremont County Detention Center in Cañon City. This transport can take 45 minutes to 1 hour each way.
3. Booking: At FCDC, you will undergo medical screening and property inventory. Be aware that booking and release processing effectively halts during shift changes, typically occurring around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. A non-refundable $30.00 booking fee will be assessed.
4. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.
5. Bail: Bail for a first-offense DUI in Custer County typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. If there are aggravating factors, such as a prior DUI or an accident involving injury, the bond may be higher, potentially requiring a mandatory court appearance before release.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your driving privileges and your case. Here are the most important deadlines to be aware of:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest (for breath tests/refusals) or the date of the Notice of Revocation (for blood tests) to request an Express Consent Hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license revocation.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court appearance date will be listed on your summons. It is crucial to appear in court on this date. The Custer Combined Court operates Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Wednesdays and Fridays).
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension depends on the specifics of your case.

DUI Enforcement in Custer County

DUI enforcement in Custer County is a priority for both the CCSO and the CSP, especially on Highway 69. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly announced, increased enforcement is common during holidays and summer weekends as part of the "The Heat Is On" campaigns. Given the aging demographic of Custer County, deputies are increasingly trained to detect impairment from prescription medications, leading to a rise in DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) cases.

Local Resources

• Custer Combined Court: 205 S. 6th St., PO Box 60, Westcliffe, CO 81252. The court is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Wednesdays and Fridays).
• Custer County Sheriff's Office: 702 Rosita Ave, Westcliffe.
• Fremont County Detention Center: Located in Cañon City, this is where you will be taken for booking after a DUI arrest in Custer County.
• Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can post your bond for a fee (typically 10-15% of the bond amount). You can locate one through online directories or by contacting the Fremont County Detention Center.
• DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can advise you of your rights, represent you in court, and help you navigate the legal process.

What Makes Custer County Different

Several factors make Custer County's DUI process unique:

• No Local Jail: The closure of the Custer County Jail means all DUI arrestees are transported to Fremont County, adding significant time and logistical challenges to the process.
• Remote Booking: Expect delays during shift changes at Fremont County Detention Center (around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM).
• Judicial Schedule: The Custer Combined Court is closed on Wednesdays and Fridays, potentially delaying filings or payments.
• Judge Halpin's Experience: County Court Judge Michael Halpin is a former Custer County Sheriff's Deputy and Colorado State Trooper. This background gives him a deep understanding of DUI enforcement procedures, making technical defenses potentially less effective.
• Towing Challenges: Retrieving your vehicle from Baltzly Towing LLC can be complicated, requiring a "Tow Release" form from the Custer County Sheriff's Office and often requiring cash payment. Be aware that storage fees begin accruing immediately, with a 2026 maximum rate of $47.12 per 24-hour period.
• Transportation Penalty: Upon release from the Fremont County Detention Center, you will be on the sidewalk in Canon City, 33 miles from your vehicle in Westcliffe. Plan for transportation ahead of time.

To request an Express Consent Hearing with the Colorado DMV, you can visit the nearest full-service Driver License Office at 127 Justice Center Road, Suite K, Cañon City, CO 81212.