Lincoln County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Lincoln County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Lincoln County presents immediate challenges. Lincoln County's vast geographic area and sparse population mean that DUI enforcement is often focused on major transit corridors like Interstate 70. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what to do following a DUI arrest in Lincoln County, covering everything from getting out of jail to navigating court and DMV proceedings.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Lincoln County, the arresting officer will likely take you to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for booking. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for highway interdiction, along with the Colorado State Patrol. The booking process involves:

• Processing: Your personal information will be recorded, and you will be photographed and fingerprinted.
• Inventory: Your personal belongings will be inventoried and stored securely until your release.
• Phone Calls: You will generally be allowed to make a reasonable number of phone calls to arrange for bail and inform family or an attorney.
• Bail Setting: Bail will be set according to a bond schedule, or a judge may set it during an initial appearance.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Here are the critical deadlines to be aware of:

• DMV Hearing Request: You have only seven (7) calendar days from the date of your arrest to request an Express Consent hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This deadline is strictly enforced. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe results in automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a summons with a date to appear in the Lincoln County Combined Courts, located at 103 Third Avenue, P.O. Box 128, Hugo, CO 80821.
• Blood Test Results: If you elected a blood test, the 7-day deadline to request a DMV hearing begins when the official revocation letter is mailed to you, not the date of the arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Lincoln County

DUI enforcement in Lincoln County often involves targeted operations funded by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) through "The Heat Is On" campaigns. These campaigns increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints during periods of high alcohol consumption, such as:

• Super Bowl weekend
• St. Patrick's Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• New Year's Eve

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day ("100 Deadliest Days of Summer") also sees increased Colorado State Patrol presence and sobriety checkpoints along I-70 and adjacent state routes. While specific checkpoint locations vary, toll plazas, arterial off-ramps, and major intersections along I-70 and US-287 are frequently used. In 2021, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office recorded twenty DUI arrests, a 50% increase from the previous year.

Local Resources

• Lincoln County Combined Courts: 103 Third Avenue, P.O. Box 128, Hugo, CO 80821. Phone: (719) 743-2455. Case lookup is available at Colorado Judicial Branch Dockets (filter by selecting Lincoln County).
• Lincoln County Clerk and Recorder - Motor Vehicle / Driver Examiner: 103 3rd Avenue, PO Box 67, Hugo, CO 80821. Phone: 719-743-2796 (Driver Examiner) / 719-743-2444 (Clerk). Open Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch). First Thursday of month: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
• Bail Bondsmen: Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Lincoln County in our bail bond directory.

What Makes Lincoln County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Lincoln County unique:

• 23rd Judicial District: Lincoln County is part of the newly formed 23rd Judicial District, which also includes Douglas and Elbert counties. This transition may involve new court protocols and judicial personnel. The Lincoln County Combined Courts (23rd Judicial District) operate under the administrative guidance of Chief Judge Ryan J. Stuart.
• Polydrug Use: Be aware that a significant number of DUI arrests in Colorado involve multiple substances, most commonly alcohol and THC. This "polydrug" phenomenon can complicate blood testing and legal defense.
• Sobriety Court: The 23rd Judicial District operates a Sobriety Court (Felony DUI Court) for repeat offenders, involving intensive clinical supervision and SCRAM monitoring.
• Diversion Program: The District Attorney's office administers a Diversion Counseling Program for select, low-risk offenders, offering early intervention and the possibility of avoiding a formal conviction.
• Courtroom Decorum: The Lincoln County Combined Courts enforce strict security and decorum protocols. All individuals entering the courthouse must pass through a metal detector and x-ray screening. Electronic devices are prohibited in the courtroom without prior permission, and a strict dress code is enforced.
• IID Installation: If required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), the primary regional installer is Smart Start at Transwest Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 2720 6th Street, Limon, CO 80828. Phone: (719) 289-3047.

To request an Express Consent hearing with the DMV, send a request to: Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Control Section, Rm. 164, Attn: Express Consent, P.O. Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217-3350, or by direct email to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us.