Garfield County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Garfield County.
Typical Bail Range
For a first-offense DUI in Garfield 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
Garfield County Jail
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-$1,000)
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 Garfield 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.
Garfield County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in Garfield County can be a disorienting experience. One of the first concerns many people have is how to get out of jail. This guide provides a clear explanation of the bail process in Garfield County, Colorado, helping you understand your options and what to expect. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee to the court, ensuring that you will appear for all scheduled hearings. If you attend all required court dates, the bail money is typically returned to you (minus any applicable court fees). If you fail to appear, the bail is forfeited, and a warrant is issued for your arrest.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
Bail amounts in Garfield County are determined by several factors, including the severity of the offense, your criminal history, and perceived flight risk. Here's a general idea of what you might expect:
- First Offense DUI: Varies based on the circumstances of the arrest.
- DUI with Injury: Bail amounts will be significantly higher due to the increased severity of the charges.
- DUI with Prior Offenses: Repeat offenders typically face much higher bail amounts, reflecting a greater risk of failing to appear in court.
How to Post Bail in Garfield County
Several options exist for posting bail in Garfield County. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Option 1: cash bail
- How it Works: You pay the full bail amount directly to the Garfield County jail.
- Refund: If you fulfill all court obligations, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you after your case concludes. The remaining amount is generally retained to cover court costs and fees.
- Payment: Contact the Garfield County jail for specific instructions on accepted payment methods.
- To post bail, you must go to the Garfield County jail.
- Parking at the Garfield County Jail, located in the municipal center of Glenwood Springs next to the courthouse, is challenging. Family members arriving to post bond must utilize approved areas, such as the public lot on West 7th Street, the 8th and School Street intersection, or the downtown parking garage on 9th Street, to avoid receiving municipal citations or having their own vehicles towed while inside the facility.
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: To secure a bond, you'll generally need a valid photo ID, and possibly collateral (such as a car title or property deed) or a co-signer to guarantee payment if you fail to appear in court.
- Finding a Bondsman: Directory listings are available on this website to help you find a licensed bail bondsman near the Garfield County jail.
Option 3: property bond
- How it Works: Instead of cash, you can use real property (land or a house) as collateral to secure your release.
- Requirements: The property's value must typically be 150-200% of the bail amount to adequately cover the risk.
- Processing Time: Property bonds often 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: A PR bond allows you to be released from jail without paying any money. Instead, you sign a written promise to appear in court.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more commonly granted to first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low perceived risk of flight.
- County Specifics: Eligibility for a PR bond in Garfield County depends on the specific circumstances of your arrest and your background.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The time it takes to be released from custody after posting bail can vary.
- Typical Processing Time: Expect a processing time at the Garfield County jail.
- Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours may expedite the release process, as court staff and bondsmen are readily available.
- Potential Delays: Delays can occur due to staffing shortages, system outages, or complications with verifying the bail payment.
What Happens After Posting Bail
Posting bail is just the first step. You must also adhere to certain conditions of release.
- Conditions of Release: Common conditions include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, avoiding contact with the alleged victim (if applicable), and remaining within Garfield County or the state of Colorado.
- Court Appearances: You will receive a notice of your next court date. It is crucial to attend all scheduled hearings.
- Failure to Appear: If you miss a court date, your bail will be forfeited, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you could face additional charges.
Special Considerations in Garfield County
The criminal prosecution of a DUI offense in Garfield County occurs within the 9th Judicial District. The Garfield County Combined Courts (9th Judicial District) manages both county-level misdemeanor dockets (which encompass the vast majority of first and second-time DUI offenses) and district-level felony dockets (applicable to fourth-time offenders, vehicular assaults, or vehicular homicides). The Garfield County Courthouse is located at 109 8th St #207, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Where do I go to post bail in Garfield County? You must go to the Garfield County jail to post bail. Parking at the Garfield County Jail, located in the municipal center of Glenwood Springs next to the courthouse, is challenging. Family members arriving to post bond must utilize approved areas—such as the public lot on West 7th Street, the 8th and School Street intersection, or the downtown parking garage on 9th Street—to avoid receiving municipal citations or having their own vehicles towed while inside the facility.
2What happens if I violate the conditions of my release in Garfield County? Violating the conditions of your release can result in your bail being revoked and you being returned to jail. You may also face additional charges.
3Does Garfield County have any specialized courts for DUI offenders? Yes, the 9th Judicial District operates a dedicated DUI (hybrid) court program serving Garfield and Pitkin counties. This program utilizes an intensive, drug-court model focusing on high-risk, alcohol-dependent offenders, prioritizing rigorous supervision and treatment over prolonged incarceration.
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Garfield County in our bail bond directory.