El Paso County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in El Paso County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in El Paso County can be a disorienting experience. In 2023, El Paso County ranked number one in Colorado for impaired driving arrests. This guide provides a roadmap for navigating the immediate aftermath, understanding critical deadlines, and accessing local resources to address the challenges ahead.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in El Paso County, the arresting officer will typically transport you to the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) located at 2739 East Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. The primary arresting agencies could be the Colorado Springs Police Department or the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.

Here's what to expect in the first 24 hours:

• Booking: Upon arrival at the CJC, you will undergo the booking process. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls. It’s important to contact a family member or friend who can assist with bail and connect you with legal resources.
• Bail: Bail is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court. The standard bail for a first or second DUI offense in El Paso County is $1,000. You can post bail in cash, through a surety bond obtained from a licensed bail bondsman, or potentially be released on a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond.
• Release: The Intake and Release Section of the Detention Operations Division manages inmate processing. The physical release of an inmate averages 2 to 4 hours from the moment bail is posted, but delays can extend this up to 8 hours due to internal jail logistics or shift changes. Inmate counts occur at 4:00 AM-6:00 AM, 6:45 AM, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM and 9:45 PM. During these times, all processing halts. You can search for inmates on the El Paso County Sheriff's Office website.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only seven days from the date of your arrest to request an Express Consent hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge the potential suspension of your driver's license. Successfully processing a hearing request within this window transforms the Express Consent Affidavit into a temporary driving permit, allowing you to maintain unrestricted driving privileges until the hearing, which typically occurs 30 to 60 days later.
• Court Arraignment: You will receive a notice of your first court appearance, known as the arraignment. This is where you will be formally advised of the charges against you and enter a plea.
• License Suspension: If you fail to request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending on the circumstances of your case and any prior DUI convictions.

DUI Enforcement in El Paso County

El Paso County actively enforces DUI laws through various means. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office often conducts increased traffic enforcement during holidays like Thanksgiving. According to KRDO.com, El Paso County ranked number one for impaired driving arrests in 2023.

Local Resources

• El Paso County Combined Courts (4th Judicial District): 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Phone: (719) 452-5000. Filing Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Clerk's Office Room S101). The court's website offers information about court locations, contact information, and procedures. You can search for your case on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
• El Paso County Criminal Justice Center (CJC): 2739 East Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. General Information: (719) 390-2000. Booking Desk: (719) 390-2151.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bail by providing a surety bond in exchange for a premium fee.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney can provide legal advice, represent you in court, and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. Justia and Lawyers.com are resources that list DUI attorneys in El Paso County.

What Makes El Paso County Different

Several factors distinguish DUI cases in El Paso County:

• Rigid Jail Procedures: The El Paso County Criminal Justice Center (CJC) operates on a strict schedule, with inmate counts and shift changes causing significant delays in the release process. Posting bail immediately following a blackout period maximizes efficiency.
• Pretrial Services Monitoring: Defendants released on a PR bond must immediately check in with Pretrial Services, either by phone at (719) 520-7070, through their electronic portal, or in person at 17 N. Spruce Street. Failure to do so can result in immediate bond revocation and a return to jail.
• DUI Court Program: The 4th Judicial District offers a specialized DUI Court program for repeat felony DUI offenders, providing intensive rehabilitation and monitoring.
• Military Jurisdiction: If a DUI occurs entirely on a federal enclave like Fort Carson, it's prosecuted in federal court, but if the stop is off-base, it falls under El Paso County jurisdiction.
• Standard Bail Amounts: First and second DUIs typically carry a $1,000 bail in El Paso County.

If you are granted a PR bond, your first step should be to contact El Paso County Pretrial Services at (719) 520-7070 to schedule your initial check-in and avoid immediate re-arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will it take to get released from the El Paso County jail after bail is posted? The average processing time is 2-4 hours, but it can take up to 8 hours depending on jail logistics and blackout periods.
2. What happens if I miss the 7-day deadline to request an ALR hearing? Your driver's license will be automatically suspended, and you will lose the opportunity to challenge the suspension.
3. What is the dress code for court appearances at the El Paso County Judicial Building? Business casual attire is required. Shorts, tank tops, hats, and clothing with profane language are prohibited.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen in our bail bond directory or find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory.

Sources

• El Paso County Sheriff's Office Begins 'Blackout Wednesday' and Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic Enforcement
• Colorado State Patrol: El Paso County ranks #1 for impaired driving arrests in 2023 | KRDO
• El Paso County Judicial Building
• Search for Inmates - El Paso County Sheriff's Office
• Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search
• 4th JD Adult Bond Schedule