Fremont County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Fremont County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical steps you can take following a DUI arrest in Fremont County, Colorado, to protect your rights and navigate the complex legal process ahead. It covers everything from understanding bail procedures at the Fremont County Detention Center to navigating the Colorado DMV's administrative license revocation (ALR) process and participating in local court programs.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Fremont County

After being stopped by law enforcement in Fremont County, if the officer suspects you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will likely be asked to perform field sobriety tests and/or submit to a chemical test (breath or blood). If you fail these tests or refuse to take them, you will be arrested and taken into custody. The Fremont County Sheriff's Office, along with municipal police departments within the county, are the primary agencies responsible for DUI enforcement.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Booking: You will be transported to the Fremont County Detention Center located at 100 Justice Center Road, Cañon City, CO 81212.
• Booking Process: During booking, your personal information will be recorded, you'll be photographed and fingerprinted, and your belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You will typically be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a family member who can assist with posting bail.
• Bail: Bail is set to ensure your appearance in court. For a first-offense misdemeanor DUI in Fremont County, a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond is often granted, allowing release without posting cash. However, felony DUIs or DUIs involving other charges (like domestic violence) will require a hearing before a judge to determine bail. If a monetary bond is required, it can be paid in cash, money order, or cashier's check payable to the Fremont County Combined Courts, or online via GovPayNow.com using Pay Location Code (PLC) A003K8, or by phone at 1-888-604-7888. Be aware of a potential 3.5% credit card payment fee when using these digital payment options.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an administrative hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. This deadline is calculated in calendar days, not business days, and the Fremont County DMV is closed on Fridays. Request the hearing online at mydmv.colorado.gov or via email to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us to ensure timely submission.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice with your court date. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing within 7 days, your license will be automatically suspended. If you submitted to a blood test, the DMV will mail an "Order of Revocation" to your address on file once the results are processed, giving you 10 days from the postmarked date to surrender your license and request a hearing. It is crucial to ensure the DMV has your correct mailing address.

DUI Enforcement in Fremont County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released, it is important to be aware that the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and local police departments actively enforce DUI laws.

Local Resources

• Fremont County Combined Court: 136 Justice Center Road, Cañon City, CO 81212. General questions can be directed to (719) 269-0100. Filing hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The court closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Fremont County Motor Vehicle Division: 615 Macon Ave, Room 103, Cañon City, CO 81212. Phone: (719) 276-7440. Open Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Fridays.
• MV Express Kiosk: Located inside the City Market grocery store at 1703 Fremont Dr, Cañon City. Accessible seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for standard registration renewals.
• Fremont County Detention Center: 100 Justice Center Road, Cañon City, CO 81212. Booking/Inmate Lookup Phone: (719) 276-5555 (Option 2).
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Consult with a DUI attorney who is familiar with the Fremont Combined Court and local procedures.

What Makes Fremont County Different

Several aspects of the DUI process in Fremont County are unique. The Fremont Combined Court closes for lunch every day from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., so plan your visits accordingly. The court also enforces a strict ban on electronic devices; ensure your phone is turned off before entering the courthouse. The Fremont County court system also makes use of virtual appearances. If a monetary bond is required upon release, remember that the Fremont County jail will attach a $10.00 bond fee and a maximum 3.5% credit card payment fee as a civil debt to the defendant.

Fremont County operates a designated SOBER Court (DWI Court) for repeat impaired driving offenders, coordinated by Jodi Agnes. This program offers an alternative to mandatory minimum jail sentences through intensive supervision, frequent testing, and mandatory therapy.

If you need to renew your vehicle registration while your license is in flux, consider using the MV Express Kiosk inside the City Market at 1703 Fremont Dr, Cañon City, available seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.