Pitkin County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pitkin County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can trigger a cascade of legal and logistical challenges. The convergence of a strict "two-track" legal system, a monopoly towing contractor, a resource-constrained jail, and harsh environmental factors creates a gauntlet that penalizes the unprepared. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what happens after a DUI arrest in Pitkin County, Colorado, focusing on the immediate actions you need to take to protect your rights and manage the situation effectively.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest by the Aspen Police Department or a Pitkin County Sheriff's deputy, you will be taken to the Pitkin County Jail, located at 506 East Main Street behind the Courthouse. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening. You will be allowed to make phone calls once the booking process is complete, but remember that the Pitkin County Jail has limited capacity (12 beds for males, 2 for females). Overcrowding can lead to transfers to neighboring counties, complicating release.

The jail also operates under a "sober release rule," meaning you won't be released until your Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) is below 0.05 and a mandatory time period (typically 8 hours from the time of arrest) has passed. Be aware of potential delays due to the "graveyard" shift (10:30 PM to 8:00 AM) being staffed by a single detention officer, or during shift changes around 7:45 AM and 3:30 PM. To inquire about bond information, call the Pitkin County Jail at (970) 920-5310.

Critical Deadlines

• Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Hearing: You have only seven days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue to contest the suspension of your driver's license under Colorado's Express Consent Law. This is a critical deadline. Failing to request this hearing within the 7-day window results in the automatic revocation of your driver's license. Request the hearing immediately by emailing dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us or faxing 303-205-5960.
• Court Appearance Date: You will receive a summons with your initial court appearance date. This date is crucial for beginning your defense. Missing this date can lead to further legal complications.

DUI Enforcement in Pitkin County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released, DUI enforcement in Pitkin County is often intensified during peak tourism seasons and holidays. Be aware of increased law enforcement presence on major roadways, especially during weekends.

Local Resources

• Pitkin County Combined Court: 506 E Main St, Suite 300, Aspen, CO 81611
• Pitkin County Jail: 506 East Main Street, Aspen, CO. Phone: (970) 920-5310
• Aspen Parking Department: 427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen, CO. Phone: (970) 429-1761 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm)

What Makes Pitkin County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Pitkin County unique:

• Towing Logistics: Shaun's Towing and Recovery manages most impounds. Be sure to confirm which lot your vehicle is at – either 82 Duroux Lane, Basalt, CO 81621, or the Pitkin County Landfill impound lot at 32046 Jack Gredig Lane, Aspen, CO 81611. Showing up at the wrong location wastes time and money.
• The "Weekend Trap": If your vehicle is towed by the Aspen Police Department on a Friday evening, you will likely face three days of storage fees due to the Aspen Parking Department's closure until Monday morning.
• 7-Day DMV Deadline: Many defendants mistakenly assume their criminal defense attorney handles this automatically or that their initial court date covers it. This assumption is fatal to driving privileges. The request must be an affirmative action taken by the defendant or their counsel specifically with the DMV
• Court Parking: Given potential court delays, parking at the Rio Grande Parking Plaza (427 Rio Grande Place) is recommended to avoid parking tickets or towing, with a daily max of $12.
• Limited Jail Capacity: The Pitkin County Jail's small size can lead to transfers to other counties, making release more complicated.

To begin the process of requesting an ALR hearing to challenge your license suspension, email dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us immediately.