Otero County License Hearing Guide

How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.

Last verified: January 27, 2026

15-Day Deadline

You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.

Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:

Select arrest date

If You Request in Time

  • • Temporary permit until hearing
  • • Chance to keep your license
  • • Gather evidence for defense

If You Miss the Deadline

  • • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
  • • No hearing, no appeal
  • • Starts after waiting period

How to Request Your Hearing

Fastest Method

Online Request

Fee: Typically $50-$125

Available: 24/7

Instant confirmation

Alternative

Phone Request

Fee: Same as online

Hours: Business hours only

Expect hold times

Information You'll Need

From Your Notice:

  • • Driver License Number
  • • Date of Arrest
  • • Arresting Agency
  • • Arresting Officer Name

Personal Information:

  • • Full Legal Name
  • • Current Address
  • • Date of Birth
  • • Phone Number & Email

After You Request

1

Temporary Permit

Immediate

Drive legally until your hearing

2

Hearing Notice

20-40 days

Date, time, and format mailed to you

3

Prepare Defense

Before hearing

Gather evidence, hire attorney

4

Attend Hearing

Scheduled date

Usually phone or video

5

Decision

Same day

Win: keep license. Lose: suspension starts

What to Expect at the Hearing

Most hearings are by phone or video

You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.

Duration

30-60 minutes typically

Who's There

You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer

What They Review

Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity

Evidence That Can Help

  • Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
  • Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
  • Witness statements about your sobriety
  • Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests

Should You Hire an Attorney?

With an Attorney

  • Can subpoena arresting officer
  • Knows how to challenge evidence
  • Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
  • Higher success rate at hearings

Without an Attorney

  • State has experienced attorney present
  • May not know proper objections
  • Can't effectively cross-examine officers
  • Lower win rate statistically
Find DUI Attorneys in Otero County

If You Lose Your Hearing

Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:

Ignition Interlock

Drive with device installed

Occupational License

Limited driving for work/essentials

FAQ

Related Guides

Court Process
Criminal case timeline
Bail & Bond
Getting released

The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) governs the administrative battle for your driver's license after a DUI arrest in Otero County. This process runs parallel to your criminal case. A defendant has exactly 7 calendar days (not business days) from the date of the Express Consent Notice (usually the date of arrest) to request a hearing.

The Seven-Day Rule: A Critical Deadline

Missing the 7-day deadline results in an automatic license revocation with no recourse. If you are arrested on a Saturday, Day 7 is the following Saturday, even though the DMV is closed on weekends. The request must be submitted online or postmarked within that window.

How to Request Your Express Consent Hearing

Request your hearing through the Colorado DMV website, or send via mail.

Local DMV Office

The La Junta Driver License Office is located inside the Otero County Courthouse at 13 W 3rd St, Ste 101. Operating hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, but the office is closed for lunch from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Always check the Colorado DMV website or call (303) 205-5600 before driving to the office, or simply arrive at 8:00 AM sharp to ensure prompt service. Keep in mind this is a satellite office that may be staffed by only one examiner, increasing risk of closure.

Express Consent Hearing Mechanics in the 16th Judicial District

Administrative hearings in the 16th Judicial District are conducted remotely via Google Meet. Deputies may be stretched thin in this rural district, which could create an advantage to your case if the arresting officer does not appear.

Remember, time is of the essence. After a DUI arrest in Otero County, contact the La Junta Driver License Office at 13 W 3rd St, Ste 101.

Sources
  • Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
  • Colorado Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Back to Colorado DUI Guide

24/7 Legal Support

Need a DUI Attorney in Otero County?

Get connected with experienced DUI attorneys who know Otero County courts and can fight for the best outcome.

Talk To An Attorney