Douglas County DUI Court Guide

Navigating a DUI Arrest in Douglas County, Colorado: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've been arrested for DUI in Douglas County, Colorado, you're facing a complex legal process. The clock starts ticking immediately. You have only 7 days from the date of your arrest to request an Express Consent Hearing with the DMV to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect.

Understanding Douglas County DUI Enforcement Tactics

Douglas County law enforcement actively targets impaired drivers through data-driven strategies. Be aware of these common tactics:

• E-470 Toll Plaza Checkpoints: Expect sobriety checkpoints at the E-470 Toll Plaza, typically operating between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on weekends. Officers funnel traffic into a single lane, briefly interviewing each driver.
• Saturation Patrols: Saturation patrols target specific areas, including Lincoln Avenue Corridor (connecting I-25 to Parker), Highlands Ranch Parkway, and Plum Creek Parkway (accessing downtown Castle Rock). Deputies look for indicators like weaving, wide turns, and failure to signal.

The Arrest and Chemical Testing Process

Following a traffic stop, Douglas County officers follow a strict protocol. They are rigorously trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) like Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn (WAT), and One Leg Stand (OLS). Remember that roadside conditions can impact these tests, and your attorney can challenge their validity.

Colorado's Express Consent Law requires you to choose between a breath or blood test.

• Breath Test: Administered via the Intoxilyzer 9000 at the detention facility or police stations. Results are immediate.
• Blood Test: Requires a phlebotomist. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) provides free toxicology testing. Officers often seek blood tests to detect polydrug impairment (alcohol + cannabis or prescription meds).

Refusal: Refusing a test results in immediate license confiscation and a "Notice of Revocation" (yellow sheet), which serves as a temporary permit for 7 days. You must request a hearing within this 7-day window to contest the revocation.

Vehicle Impoundment and Westside Towing

Your vehicle will likely be impounded. For most DUI arrests, vehicles are towed to Westside Towing, Inc., located at 1040 Atchison Court, Castle Rock, CO 80109. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Important: If arrested on a Friday night, you'll incur mandatory storage fees for Saturday and Sunday, as you cannot retrieve your vehicle until Monday morning.

Retrieving your vehicle requires navigating an administrative maze.

• DCSO Release (If Police Hold): If the vehicle was involved in an accident or serious felony, contact the investigating detective at DCSO (303-660-7500) to get the hold lifted.
• Document Verification: Present a valid Government Photo ID, Proof of Ownership (Title or Registration), and Proof of Valid Insurance.
• Valid Driver Requirement: If your license is revoked, you need a licensed driver to drive the vehicle off the lot.

Detention and Pretrial Release

After arrest, you'll be transported to the Douglas County Detention Facility (DCDF) at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109 (Booking: 303-660-7550).

Recent legislation (HB 25-1015) prohibits holding defendants solely for non-payment of administrative fees. You only need to post the actual bond amount set by the court.

For standard DUI offenses, Douglas County uses a bond schedule. However, "No Bond" holds are common for repeat offenders or those with pending cases.

Bond Payment Methods:

• Online: AccessCorrections.com
• Kiosk: Located in the jail lobby (Cash/Card).
• Bondsmen: For high bonds, local agents like Bail House Bail Bonds or Bail City can help.

Pretrial Supervision:

If released, you'll likely be placed on Pretrial Release Supervision managed by Community Justice Services (CJS). You must report to CJS (4000 Justice Way, Suite 1801) within 24 hours of release. A $40 fee is assessed. Common conditions include sobriety monitoring (UAs or SCRAM), no driving, and travel restrictions.

Navigating the 23rd Judicial District Court

Your case will be adjudicated in the 23rd Judicial District, known for its strict adherence to procedure. Court is held at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock. Arrive 30 minutes early to clear security. Business casual attire is required.

Judges to be aware of:

• Judge Lawrence Bowling (County Court): Known for efficient docket management and strict sentencing for repeat offenders.
• Judge Kolony Fields (County Court): Praised for communication skills and focus on rehabilitation.
• Judge Theresa Slade (District Court): Presides over felony matters and requires rigorous preparation by counsel.

The District Attorney's office is less inclined to offer standard plea deals. Reductions from DUI to DWAI are not automatic. Prosecutors frequently seek supervised probation with active monitoring (SCRAM/UA).

Administrative License Proceedings (DMV)

Request an Express Consent Hearing within 7 days at a Driver License Office (e.g., Castle Rock Motor Vehicle, 301 Wilcox St) or online if eligible.

Immediate Action Steps

1. Request an Express Consent Hearing: Do this within 7 days of your arrest to challenge your license suspension.
2. Contact Westside Towing: If your vehicle was impounded, call them at (303) 688-4140 to understand the release requirements and fees.