Morgan County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Morgan County.
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
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)
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. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Morgan County Lawyers4. 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.
The Morgan County Detention Center is located at 801 E. Beaver Ave, Fort Morgan, CO 80701. Following a DUI arrest in Morgan County, understanding the bail process is crucial to secure your release or that of a loved one. Recent policy shifts in the 13th Judicial District have moved away from set bond schedules, meaning a judge or magistrate must determine your bond amount at an advisement hearing.
Release Timeline and Weekend Arrests
If arrested over the weekend, the 13th Judicial District holds bond hearings at 7:00 AM on both Sunday and Monday. These hearings are often conducted remotely, linking the jail to the magistrate via audiovisual technology. Missing the Sunday hearing due to processing delays (like a lengthy sobriety hold) means remaining in custody until Monday.
Local Bond Options
- Cash Bonds: The full bond amount must be deposited. This is refundable upon completion of the case, provided all conditions are met.
- Surety Bonds: A bondsman is used, requiring a non-refundable premium (typically 10-15% of the total bond).
Posting Bond
Morgan County utilizes third-party processors like AllPaid (GovPayNet) for remote bond payments. Be aware that these services charge convenience fees, ranging from 3.75% to 5.25%. Also, there can be a delay between the online transaction and jail staff receiving clearance for release.
Where to Post Bond
While the research data doesn't list specific hours, the Morgan County Detention Center at 801 E. Beaver Ave, Fort Morgan, CO 80701, is where bond must be posted for release. Given the 7 AM Sunday/Monday hearing times, posting bond promptly after the hearing is crucial.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Morgan County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety