Custer County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Custer County.
Typical Bail Range
For a first-offense DUI in Custer County, bail typically ranges from:
First-time DUI offense
Bail Can Be Higher If:
- High BAC level (≥0.15)
- Accident or injury involved
- Minor passenger in vehicle
- Prior DUI offenses
- Probation or parole violation
- Additional charges (evading arrest, assault, etc.)
County Jail Information
Fremont County Jail (Cañon City)
Inmate Search
Use the online inmate locator to check booking status, bail amount, and release information.
What to Expect
Booking Process
2-8 hours for processing, fingerprinting, and photographing
Arraignment
Within 24-48 hours, bail set by judge
Release Options
Cash bond, bail bond, or personal recognizance (rare for DUI)
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 ($1,000-$2,000)
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)
Example: On $1,000 bail = $100 fee
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. Contact a Bail Bondsman
Need fast release in Custer County? Contact a verified 24/7 Bail Bondsman to start the release process immediately.
Find a Bondsman4. 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.
Custer County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in Custer County can be a frightening experience. Understanding the bail process is crucial for securing your release and beginning to navigate the legal challenges ahead. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. In Custer County, the process involves several steps and considerations, especially given the county's unique circumstances regarding detention facilities.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
The amount of bail required after a DUI arrest in Custer County depends on the specifics of your case, including any prior offenses or aggravating factors. Here's a general guideline:
- First Offense DUI: Typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
- DUI with Injury: Bail amounts will be significantly higher and determined by the severity of the injuries and other factors.
- DUI with Prior Offenses: Bail may escalate to $3,000 or higher, potentially requiring a mandatory court appearance before release to establish sobriety monitoring.
These amounts are based on the 11th Judicial District Chief Judge's bond schedule.
How to Post Bail in Custer County
Since the Custer County Jail closed on January 6, 2023, individuals arrested for DUI are transported to the Fremont County Detention Center (FCDC) in Cañon City. Therefore, bail must be posted at FCDC. Here are the available options:
Option 1: cash bail
- How it Works: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Fremont County Detention Center.
- Refund: If you meet all court obligations, approximately 90% of the cash bail will be returned to you after the case concludes.
- Where to Pay: Fremont County Detention Center, Cañon City.
- Payment Methods Accepted: Exact cash, cashier's check (payable to "Fremont County Combined Courts").
- Remote Payment: The Custer County Sheriff utilizes Allpaid (formerly GovPayNet) for remote bond payments. The specific Payment Location Code (PLC) is a004w6. This is often the most efficient method for out-of-town family members to secure release without driving to Cañon City.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it Works: You pay a non-refundable fee (typically 10-15% of the total bail amount) to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- Requirements: You will likely need a valid photo ID, potentially collateral (e.g., property or vehicle title), and possibly a co-signer to guarantee your appearance in court.
- Finding a Bondsman: A directory of licensed bail bondsmen serving the Fremont County area is available on this site.
Option 3: property bond
- How it Works: You use real estate or other property as collateral to secure your release.
- Value Requirement: The property's value must typically be 150-200% of the bail amount to adequately cover the risk.
- Processing Time: Property bonds usually take longer to process than cash or surety bonds due to the need for appraisals and legal documentation.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it Works: You are released on your own promise to appear in court, without having to pay bail.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low risk of failing to appear.
- County-Specific Factors: Eligibility for a PR bond in Custer County is at the discretion of the court and may depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The time it takes to be released after posting bail can vary.
- Typical Processing Time: Booking and release processing at FCDC can be delayed during shift changes, typically occurring around 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Best Times to Post Bail: To avoid delays, attempt to post bail outside of the shift change windows.
- Sobriety Hold: FCDC will not release an individual who is still intoxicated. The facility enforces a "sober release" policy, often requiring a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) of 0.000. This "drying out" period can extend detention by 8-12 hours post-booking.
- Factors Delaying Release: High BAC at arrest, outstanding warrants, or complications with payment methods can all delay your release.
What Happens After Posting Bail
Once you are released on bail, you must adhere to specific conditions:
- Conditions of Release: These may include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, avoiding contact with certain individuals, and remaining within a specific geographical area.
- Court Appearance: You must appear in court on the date and time specified in your release paperwork.
- Consequences of Missing Court: Failure to appear in court will result in the forfeiture of your bail, the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, and additional legal penalties.
Special Considerations in Custer County
Several factors specific to Custer County can impact the bail process:
- Detention Location: As previously mentioned, since the closure of the Custer County Jail, all detainees are transported to the Fremont County Detention Center in Cañon City, adding logistical complexity to the release process. This also means that upon release, you will be on the sidewalk in Cañon City, 33 miles from your vehicle (impounded in Westcliffe) and your home. Plan accordingly.
- Remote Payment Option: Utilize the Allpaid system (PLC a004w6) for remote bond payments to expedite the release process, especially if family members are assisting from out of town.
- Court Schedule: The Custer Combined Court operates only on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Attempting to resolve bail-related issues at the courthouse on Wednesdays or Fridays will be impossible.
Navigating the bail process after a DUI arrest in Custer County can be challenging. Understanding your options and the county's specific procedures is essential for securing your release and protecting your rights. Consulting with a DUI attorney can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Can I post bail at the Custer County Courthouse?*No. Since the Custer County Jail closed, all detainees are held at the Fremont County Detention Center in Cañon City. You must post bail there or use the Allpaid remote payment system.
**2. What happens if I can't afford to pay the full bail amount?*Consider using a bail bondsman or exploring the possibility of a property bond. A bail bondsman will charge a non-refundable fee (typically 10-15% of the bail amount) to post the full bail on your behalf.
**3. What if I'm released from jail but have no way to get back to Westcliffe?*Upon release from the Fremont County Detention Center, you will be in Cañon City, approximately 33 miles from Westcliffe. Arrange for transportation in advance, as public transportation options are limited. A taxi service or a ride from a friend or family member may be necessary.
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Custer County in our bail bond directory.