La Plata County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in La Plata County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in La Plata County, Colorado, can be a stressful and confusing experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand what happens next, critical deadlines you need to be aware of, and essential resources to navigate the legal process. We'll cover everything from getting out of jail to understanding your rights and options. This guide is designed to provide clarity and empower you to take the necessary steps to protect your future.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The moments following a DUI arrest in La Plata County can feel overwhelming. Here's a timeline of what typically happens and what you need to know:

• Arrest and Field Sobriety Tests: After being pulled over, the officer likely administered field sobriety tests (FSTs) and possibly a preliminary breath test (PBT). These tests are used to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest.
• Blood or Breath Test: You were likely asked to submit to a chemical test, either a breath test at the police station or a blood test. Refusal to take this test can result in an automatic license suspension under Colorado's Express Consent Law.
• Booking at La Plata County Jail: Following the arrest, you were transported to the La Plata County Jail for booking. This process involves taking your fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), and recording your personal information. Your belongings will be inventoried and stored securely.
• Making Phone Calls: You have the right to make reasonable phone calls after being booked. Use this opportunity to contact a family member, friend, or, most importantly, an attorney.
• Bail and Release: Bail is a sum of money paid to the court to ensure your appearance at future court dates. Bail amounts vary depending on the severity of the charges, your criminal history, and other factors. In La Plata County, bail can be posted in cash, through a surety bond (obtained through a bail bondsman), or sometimes a personal recognizance bond (release without paying bail, based on a promise to appear). More information on bail is available
  here.
• Release from Jail: Once bail is posted (or a personal recognizance bond is granted), you will be released from jail with instructions on when and where to appear in court.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines in a DUI case can have serious consequences. Be aware of the following:

• ALR Hearing Deadline (10 days): In Colorado, if your BAC was 0.08 or higher, or if you refused a chemical test, the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will attempt to suspend your driver's license. You have only ten days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge the suspension. This is a crucial deadline, as failing to request a hearing within ten days results in automatic license suspension.
• First Court Appearance (Arraignment): You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your first court appearance, called an arraignment. This is where you will be formally advised of the charges against you and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin. The length of the suspension depends on whether it's your first offense and the circumstances of the case.

DUI Enforcement in La Plata County

While specific DUI enforcement strategies can vary, La Plata County generally focuses on:

• Increased patrols during peak times: Law enforcement often increases patrols during evenings and weekends, particularly around holidays and events where alcohol consumption is common.
• Sobriety checkpoints: While less frequent, sobriety checkpoints may be conducted in the county to identify and apprehend impaired drivers.
• Utilizing advanced technology: Officers may use devices such as breathalyzers and drug recognition experts (DREs) to assess impairment.

Local Resources

Here are some resources that can help you navigate the DUI process in La Plata County:

• La Plata County Court Information: (Courthouse data unavailable at this time. Check back for updates.)
• Bail Bondsmen: (List bail bondsmen in La Plata County - Research and add a few options - Example: ABC Bail Bonds, Durango Bail Bonds)
• DUI Attorneys: While we cannot recommend specific attorneys, seeking legal counsel from a qualified DUI attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can review your case, advise you of your rights, and represent you in court. Look for attorneys who specialize in DUI defense in Colorado.

What Makes La Plata County Different

While Colorado DUI laws are statewide, there might be some local nuances in La Plata County:

• Local Procedures: Check with your attorney about any specific procedures or practices unique to La Plata County courts.
• County-Specific Programs: Research whether La Plata County offers any specific DUI education or treatment programs that may be beneficial.
• Typical Bail Amounts: While bail amounts can vary, first-time DUI offenses in La Plata County typically have bail amounts ranging from $[Research and add typical bail range]. Your attorney can provide more specific guidance based on the details of your case.

Being arrested for DUI is a serious matter. By understanding the process, knowing your rights, and seeking qualified legal assistance, you can navigate this challenging situation and work towards the best possible outcome.