Larimer County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Larimer County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be overwhelming. In Larimer County, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) recorded 534 DUI arrests in 2022, demonstrating a consistent and active enforcement posture. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the complex legal and administrative processes ahead.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Larimer County, here's a general timeline of what to expect:

1. Arrest and Initial Processing: You will be taken into custody by the arresting officer, likely from the LCSO or the Fort Collins Police Department.
2. Transportation to the Larimer County Jail: You will be transported to the Larimer County Jail for booking.
3. Booking Process: At the jail, located within the Larimer County Justice Center, you will undergo a booking process. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a search of your person and belongings. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office charges a $30 booking processing fee.
4. Phone Calls: After booking, you will be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.
5. Bail Hearing (if applicable): Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, a judge may set bail.
6. Release: You will be released from custody after posting bail or being released on your own recognizance.

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines must be met to protect your driving privileges and legal rights:

• Express Consent Hearing Request: You have exactly seven (7) days from the date of arrest and issuance of the Express Consent Affidavit and Notice of Revocation (if you took a breath test or refused testing) to request an Express Consent Hearing with the Colorado DMV. For blood tests, the seven-day clock begins upon receipt of the Notice of Revocation mailed by the DMV after the toxicology results are processed. This hearing challenges the impending revocation of your driver's license. The request can be submitted online via the state portal, in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office, or directly via email to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us.
• Arraignment: You will receive a summons to appear in court for your arraignment. This is your first official court appearance where you will be formally advised of the charges against you.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an Express Consent Hearing, or if the hearing officer rules against you, your license will be suspended. A first-time per se revocation (testing over the limit) typically involves a baseline 9-month restraint.

DUI Enforcement in Larimer County

Larimer County law enforcement agencies, including the LCSO and the Fort Collins Police Department, maintain a high-volume DUI enforcement environment. In 2022, the LCSO recorded 534 DUI arrests. During coordinated statewide enforcement periods, Larimer County agencies frequently rank among the highest in Colorado for arrest volume. For example, the LCSO ranked third statewide with 13 arrests during a recent St. Patrick's Day enforcement period. The urban corridors along Interstate 25 and US Highway 34, which connect Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, experience consistently high volumes of traffic and are often subject to increased patrols. Horsetooth Reservoir is also a major destination for outdoor recreation, heavily influencing summer weekend enforcement strategies and localized patrol saturations.

Local Resources

• Larimer County Justice Center: Houses the courts and jail. Located at 201 Laporte Avenue, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Telephone: Colorado Judicial Branch.
• Larimer County Vehicle Licensing (Fort Collins): 200 W. Oak Street, 1st Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Phone: 970-498-7878.
• Larimer County Vehicle Licensing (Loveland): 200 Peridot Ave, 1st Floor, Loveland, CO 80537.
• Larimer County Vehicle Licensing (Estes Park): 1601 Brodie Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517.
• Larimer County Jail: Larimer County Jail
• Inmate Search: Larimer County Inmate Search
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: When seeking a licensed bail bondsman, be sure to verify their credentials and inquire about their fees and services.

What Makes Larimer County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Larimer County unique:

• Strict Electronic Device Policy: The Eighth Judicial District enforces a strict electronic device policy. Inside the courtrooms, all electronic devices must be turned completely off or muted. Any form of audio or visual recording is prohibited without the judge's consent.
• Rigid Decorum Standards: The court and community corrections programs enforce a rigid dress code. Hats, sunglasses, tank tops, and clothing displaying controversial imagery are prohibited within the Justice Center and at Larimer County Community Corrections facilities.
• DMV Queue System: When visiting the Larimer County Vehicle Licensing offices, customers are encouraged to utilize an online appointment system. Upon arrival, individuals check in by texting "check-in" to an SMS system or scanning a QR code at the entrance.
• Impound Locations: If your vehicle was impounded, it may be at Dedicated Towing and Recovery (1615 E Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80524) or Crossroads Towing and Recovery (3700 Canal Dr A, Fort Collins, CO 80524).

To request an Express Consent Hearing, email dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us before the seven-day deadline expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will I be taken after a DUI arrest in Larimer County? You will be taken to the Larimer County Jail for booking.
2. How long do I have to request an Express Consent Hearing in Larimer County? You have seven days from the date of your arrest (or from the date you receive the notice of revocation if a blood test was taken).
3. Where can I retrieve my impounded vehicle in Fort Collins? Your vehicle may be at Dedicated Towing and Recovery or Crossroads Towing and Recovery.

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

Sources

• Larimer County Sheriff's Office
• Larimer County Inmate Search
• Larimer County Vehicle Licensing
• Vehicle Licensing Wait Times | Larimer County
• Appointment Check-In Frequently Asked Questions - Colorado DMV
• EIGHTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OVERVIEW 2024
• Express Consent Cases Procedures - Colorado Department of Revenue
• DISTRICT COURT, LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO
• LARIMER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE POLICY MANUAL BOOKING FEE
• LARIMER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE POLICY MANUAL BONDING/RELEASE