Custer County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Custer County.
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 )
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 Custer 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 Bail After a DUI Arrest in Custer County, Colorado
If you've been arrested for DUI in Custer County, Colorado, the immediate concern is likely getting out of jail. Unlike larger cities, Custer County presents unique challenges due to its rural nature and limited resources. The Custer County Jail is closed, meaning you'll be transported to the Fremont County Detention Center at 100 Justice Center Road, Cañon City, CO 81212. Understanding the bail process and logistical hurdles is crucial.
Understanding the Custer County DUI Landscape
Custer County's DUI enforcement is handled primarily by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP). The CCSO focuses on unincorporated areas and municipalities like Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, while the CSP patrols state highways such as HWY 96, HWY 69, and HWY 165. Because a DUI arrest can take a deputy out of service for 3-4 hours due to the transport to Fremont County, law enforcement prioritizes clear-cut cases.
The county's demographics also play a role. With a median age of 58.6 years and a significant percentage of residents over 65 (35.7%), "DUID" (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) cases involving prescription medications are common. This means officers are trained to detect impairment beyond just alcohol.
Posting Bail: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your bail amount will be set according to the 11th Judicial District's bond schedule. While the specific amount varies depending on the charges and your prior record, it's essential to act quickly.
Here's how to post bail:
- Location: You'll need to post bail at the Fremont County Detention Center in Cañon City.
- Fees: Be prepared to pay a booking fee of $30.00 and a bond fee of $10.00 in addition to the bail amount.
- Remote Payment: You can expedite the process by using Allpaid, a remote bond payment provider. The PLC code for Custer County is a004w6. This allows someone to post bail on your behalf from a different location.
- Release: Once bail is posted, you will be released from the Fremont County Detention Center.
Logistical Challenges and the "Rural Penalty"
Custer County's rural setting presents unique challenges. The closure of the local jail means a longer transport time for law enforcement and a greater distance for you or your family to travel for release. This "rural penalty" extends beyond bail. For example, alcohol education classes may require a 70-mile round trip to Cañon City, adding to the financial burden.
The economic impact of a DUI in Custer County can be significant. Fines, fees, towing, insurance hikes, and mandated therapy can easily exceed $13,500. The median household income is approximately $72,700, but a poverty rate of 9.68% means many residents struggle to afford these costs.
Vehicle Impoundment and Recovery
After a DUI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Baltzly Towing LLC in Westcliffe (719-783-3360) is a primary provider for law enforcement tows in the area. Understanding the fees associated with towing and storage is crucial:
- Base Tow Fee (Max): $245.32
- Law Enforcement Ordered Hourly Fee (Max): $279.78
- Mileage Rate: $3.80 per mile
- Fuel Surcharge (Feb 2026): $0.25 (This fluctuates, check with the towing company)
- Daily Storage (Max): $47.12
- After-Hours Fee: $103.70
- Notification Fee: $75.00
Contact Baltzly Towing directly to arrange for vehicle release and payment.
Driver's License and DMV Hearings
Following a DUI arrest, your driver's license will likely be suspended. You have only 7 days from the date of your arrest or notice to request a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension. You can request a hearing online via mydmv.colorado.gov or in writing. The nearest full-service Driver License Office is located at 127 Justice Center Road, Suite K, Cañon City, CO 81212. Missing this deadline results in automatic suspension.
Next Steps
Navigating the DUI process in Custer County requires immediate action. Contact the Fremont County Detention Center at 719-276-5555 to confirm bail requirements and explore remote payment options through Allpaid (PLC code a004w6).
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Custer County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety