Morgan County DUI Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a DUI arrest in Morgan County.
Typical Bail Range
For a first-offense DUI in Morgan 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
Morgan County Detention Center
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-$2,000)
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 Morgan 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.
Morgan County Bail Process After DUI Arrest
Being arrested for DUI in Morgan County can be a frightening experience. One of the first things you’ll likely be concerned about is getting out of jail. This guide explains the bail process in Morgan County, Colorado, providing you with the information you need to understand your options and navigate the system. Bail is a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. It allows you to be released from jail while your case is pending, so you can return to your family, job, and prepare your defense. The amount of bail and the conditions of your release are determined by a judge.
Typical Bail Amounts for DUI
In Morgan County, the amount of bail required for a DUI arrest can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the offense, your prior criminal record, and any aggravating circumstances. Due to recent policy shifts within the 13th Judicial District, rigid bond schedules have been rescinded for Title 18 offenses and many serious Title 42 offenses (which can include aggravated DUI), as per C.R.S. § 16-4-103. This means that bail is now determined on a case-by-case basis by a judge or magistrate. While specific bail amounts are no longer pre-set, here's a general idea of what you might expect:
- First Offense: Expect a bail amount potentially ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, though this is subject to judicial discretion.
- DUI with Injury: If your DUI resulted in injuries to another person, the bail amount will likely be significantly higher due to the increased severity of the charges.
- DUI with Prior Offenses: If you have prior DUI convictions, you can expect a higher bail amount than a first-time offender.
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual bail amount set in your case could be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances.
How to Post Bail in Morgan County
Once a judge sets your bail, you have several options for posting it and securing your release from the Morgan County Detention Center, located at 801 E. Beaver Ave, Fort Morgan, CO 80701.
Option 1: cash bail
- How it Works: You pay the full bail amount in cash to the Morgan County Detention Center.
- Refund: If you meet all your court obligations, approximately 90% of the cash bail will be returned to you after your case is concluded.
- Payment: Contact the Morgan County Detention Center for accepted payment methods and specific instructions.
Option 2: bail bondsman
- How it Works: You pay a non-refundable fee (typically 10-15% of the full bail amount) to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
- Requirements: To secure a bond, you will likely need to provide the bondsman with identification, information about the arrest, and possibly collateral (such as a car title or property deed) or a co-signer to guarantee your appearance in court.
- Finding a Bondsman: You can locate a licensed bail bondsman who serves the Morgan County area.
Option 3: property bond
- How it Works: You can use real property (land or a house) as collateral to secure your release.
- Requirements: The property must be worth significantly more than the bail amount (typically 150-200%). The process of securing a property bond can be lengthy, as it requires an appraisal and legal review.
Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)
- How it Works: You are released on your own recognizance, meaning you promise to appear in court without having to pay bail.
- Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with minor charges and strong ties to the community.
- Judicial Discretion: Whether or not you are granted a PR bond is entirely at the judge's discretion.
Timeline: How Long Until Release?
The amount of time it takes to be released from jail after posting bail in Morgan County can vary.
- Processing Time: The booking process at the Morgan County Detention Center involves several administrative steps, including fingerprinting, mugshots, and medical screening, which can take several hours. A sobriety hold can also delay processing, as inmates cannot be fully processed or released until deemed sober. A defendant with a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) will be placed in a holding cell for 8 to 12 hours.
- Weekend Arrests: For arrests occurring over the weekend, bond hearings for Morgan County are conducted at 7:00 AM on Sunday and 7:00 AM on Monday. These hearings are increasingly conducted via audiovisual technology (Webex/Livestream) connecting the jail to the magistrate. Missing the Sunday hearing means an additional 24 hours of incarceration. Families should check the online roster or call the jail Sunday morning. If bond is set at the 7:00 AM hearing, a bondsman should be engaged immediately to process the release Sunday midday. Waiting until Monday business hours subjects the defendant to an extra day of lost work.
- Delays: Delays can occur if there are issues with payment, incomplete paperwork, or if the jail is experiencing a high volume of bookings.
What Happens After Posting Bail
Once you are released on bail, it is crucial to understand and comply with the conditions of your release.
- Conditions of Release: These may include abstaining from alcohol and drugs, attending all scheduled court appearances, avoiding contact with alleged victims, and remaining within the state of Colorado.
- Court Appearances: You will be given a date and time for your next court appearance. It is imperative that you attend this hearing and all subsequent hearings.
- Consequences of Missing Court: Failure to appear in court can result in the forfeiture of your bail, a warrant being issued for your arrest, and additional charges being filed against you.
Special Considerations in Morgan County
The most significant systemic shift in the 13th Judicial District is the move away from rigid bond schedules toward individualized bond hearings for criminal offenses. This means a defendant is held without bond until they can appear before a judge or magistrate for an advisement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What happens if I can't afford bail in Morgan County? If you cannot afford bail, you can explore options such as a bail bondsman or a property bond. You can also request a bond reduction hearing from the court.
2Can I get my bail money back if I'm found not guilty? If you pay cash bail and comply with all court requirements, approximately 90% of your bail money will be returned to you regardless of the outcome of your case.
3Where are weekend bond hearings held in Morgan County? Weekend bond hearings are conducted via audiovisual technology (Webex/Livestream) connecting the jail to the magistrate. Families should check the online roster or call the jail Sunday morning.
Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving Morgan County in our bail bond directory.