La Plata County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in La Plata County.
Typical Bail Range
For a first-offense DUI in La Plata 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
La Plata County Detention Facility
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 La Plata 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.
La Plata County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in La Plata County can be a disorienting and stressful experience. One of the first concerns many people have is how to get out of jail. This guide provides clear, practical information about the bail process in La Plata County, Colorado, to help you understand your options and navigate the system effectively. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. By posting bail, you are released from custody while your case proceeds. If you fail to appear, you forfeit the bail money, and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
Bail amounts in La Plata County for DUI charges can vary depending on the specifics of your case, including prior offenses and any aggravating factors. Keep in mind that these are general ranges and the actual bail amount will be determined by a judge or magistrate.
- First Offense DUI: Bail for a first-time DUI offense typically falls in the range of $300 to $1,000.
- DUI with Injury: If your DUI arrest involved an accident resulting in injury to another person, the bail amount will be significantly higher, potentially ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the severity of the injuries.
- DUI with Prior Offenses: If you have prior DUI convictions, the bail amount will also be higher, reflecting the increased risk that you may not appear in court. Bail could range from $500 to $2,000 or higher, depending on the number and nature of the prior offenses.
How to Post Bail in La Plata County
There are several options for posting bail in La Plata County, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Option 1: cash bail
- How it Works: You pay the full bail amount in cash to the La Plata County jail.
- The Benefit: If you attend all required court appearances, approximately 90% of the cash bail is typically returned to you after your case concludes. The court may retain a small percentage for administrative fees.
- Where to Pay: Bail can be paid directly at the La Plata County jail.
- Payment Methods Accepted: The La Plata County jail typically accepts cash, certified checks, and money orders. Contact the jail directly to confirm acceptable payment methods before attempting to post bail.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it Works: You pay a licensed bail bondsman a non-refundable fee, typically 10-15% of the total bail amount. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- The Benefit: This option allows you to secure your release without having to pay the full bail amount upfront.
- What You'll Need: To secure a bond, you will typically need to provide the bondsman with identification, information about the arrest, and possibly collateral (such as a car title or property deed) to secure the bond. A co-signer may also be required, depending on your financial situation and the bondsman's requirements.
- Finding a Bondsman: You can find a licensed bail bondsman near the La Plata County jail through directory listings.
Option 3: property bond
- How it Works: You use real property (such as a house or land) as collateral to secure your release.
- The Catch: The property must be worth significantly more than the bail amount, typically 150-200%.
- The Drawback: This option generally takes longer to process than cash bail or a bail bond, as the court must assess the value and ownership of the property.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it Works: You are released on your own "personal recognizance," meaning you are released on your promise to appear in court. No money is posted.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low perceived risk of failing to appear.
- County-Specific Eligibility: Eligibility for a PR bond in La Plata County depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, your criminal history, your ties to the community, and the judge's discretion.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
- Typical Processing Time: The processing time for release after posting bail at the La Plata County jail can vary, but it typically takes between 2 to 6 hours. This time includes processing paperwork, verifying the bail payment, and completing the release procedures.
- Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM) may expedite the release process, as more staff are available to process paperwork.
- Factors that Can Delay Release: Several factors can delay your release, including:
- High jail population
- Staffing shortages
- Complicated paperwork
- Outstanding warrants
- Law enforcement holds
What Happens After Posting Bail
- Conditions of Release: When you are released on bail, you will be given specific conditions of release that you must follow. These conditions may include:
- Avoiding contact with the alleged victim
- Abstaining from alcohol and drugs
- Submitting to drug and alcohol testing
- Attending mandatory treatment programs
- Surrendering your passport
- Remaining within La Plata County or Colorado
- When You Must Appear in Court: You will be given a court date and time that you must attend. It is crucial to appear in court as scheduled.
- What Happens If You Miss Court: If you fail to appear in court, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, and you will forfeit the bail money. This can also lead to additional charges and penalties.
Special Considerations in La Plata County
The 6th Judicial District, which includes La Plata County, has embraced remote technology for certain non-evidentiary hearings. However, a standing order from the Chief Judge dictates that all parties must appear in person at the courthouse unless they have petitioned for and received explicit, prior authorization from the court to appear by telephone or video. Assuming virtual attendance is permissible without prior, written consent can result in a bench warrant being issued for failure to appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
**1. Where can I attend DUI Level II classes in La Plata County if I lose my driving privileges?*Misfit Counseling provides Level 1 and Level 2 DUI classes serving Durango, Bayfield, Hesperus, and Purgatory. They also operate as a leader in state-approved teletherapy, which is vital if you cannot physically commute to in-person groups due to license suspension.
**2. My car was impounded after my DUI arrest. Where do I start to get it back?*The arresting agency (Durango Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff's Office, or Colorado State Patrol) will determine which towing company was used. Contact them directly to find out where your vehicle is impounded. Bo Dean's Towing, located at 696 Sawmill Rd, Durango, CO 81301, is a primary vendor. Call (970) 375-6221 to confirm their release hours. Remember to bring your valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of ownership.
**3. What happens if I violate my bond conditions in La Plata County?*Violating your bond conditions can have serious consequences. The court may revoke your bond, meaning you will be taken back into custody. You may also face additional charges for violating the terms of your release.
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving La Plata County in our bail bond directory.