Pitkin County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pitkin County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Pitkin County, Colorado, can feel overwhelming. Adding to the stress, Pitkin County operates under what some call the "Aspen Paradox" - a small, resource-constrained judicial system serving a high-wealth resort community. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the complex legal and logistical challenges ahead, focusing on the unique aspects of the Pitkin County DUI process. Understanding these nuances is crucial to mitigating the potential long-term consequences of your arrest.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Pitkin County are crucial. Here's a general timeline:

• Arrest and Booking: You'll likely be arrested by the Aspen Police Department or Pitkin County Sheriff's Office. You will be transported to the Pitkin County Jail, located at 506 East Main Street, Aspen, immediately behind the Courthouse.
• Booking Process: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and inventorying your belongings.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, typically after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
• Bail: Bail amounts vary, but release from the Pitkin County Jail is never immediate. You will not be released until you are demonstrably sober, defined as a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) below 0.05 or after a mandatory waiting period, typically 8 hours from the time of arrest. If arrested at 2:00 AM, expect to remain in jail until at least 10:00 AM. Keep in mind that the Pitkin County Jail only has 12 beds for male inmates and 2 beds for female inmates. If full, you may be transferred to a jail in Garfield County (Glenwood Springs) or Eagle County.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences for your driving privileges and your case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Deadline: You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge the suspension of your driver's license. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe results in automatic license suspension. Contact the DMV immediately.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court appearance date will be listed on your summons. Missing this date can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension Timeline: If you do not request an ALR hearing, or if you lose the hearing, your license suspension will begin a set number of days after your arrest, depending on the specifics of your case and prior record.

DUI Enforcement in Pitkin County

Pitkin County's DUI enforcement is often intensified during peak tourist seasons. While specific checkpoint locations are not consistently publicized, be aware that increased patrols are common around:

• X Games: Expect heightened enforcement during the X Games, a major event drawing large crowds.
• New Year's Eve: New Year's celebrations are a known period for increased DUI patrols.
• July 4th: The Independence Day holiday is another time of increased DUI enforcement.

Local Resources

• Pitkin County Jail: 506 East Main Street, Aspen, CO.
• Pitkin County Courthouse: Located adjacent to the jail, address is also 506 East Main Street, Aspen, CO.
• Aspen Parking Department: 427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen, CO. Phone: (970) 920-5270. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Shaun’s Towing and Recovery (Basalt Yard - Primary): 82 Duroux Lane, Basalt, CO 81621.
• Shaun's Towing and Recovery (Landfill Impound): 32046 Jack Gredig Lane, Aspen, CO 81611.
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for licensed bail bondsmen serving Pitkin County.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for qualified DUI attorneys practicing in Pitkin County.

What Makes Pitkin County Different

Several factors make handling a DUI in Pitkin County uniquely challenging:

• The "Aspen Paradox": The juxtaposition of extreme wealth and limited judicial resources creates bottlenecks and delays.
• Private Towing Monopoly: Shaun’s Towing and Recovery holds the primary municipal contract, creating a monopoly-like environment with aggressive fee structures.
• Two Impound Locations: Shaun's Towing uses both its Basalt yard and the Pitkin County Landfill for impounded vehicles. Confirm the location before attempting retrieval to avoid wasted time and accruing fees.
• The "Midnight Rule": Storage charges increase at midnight each day. Even a late-night arrest can result in multiple days of storage fees if you cannot retrieve your vehicle immediately.
• Strict Proof of Ownership Requirements: An insurance card is not accepted as proof of ownership. You need a Title or Registration printed within the last 7 days.
• Hold Harmless Agreement for Tourists: If you are driving a vehicle registered to someone else, Shaun's Towing requires a notarized Absentee Authorization and Hold Harmless Agreement from the registered owner. This can be a significant hurdle for tourists.
• Aspen Parking Department Intermediary: For vehicles towed by the Aspen Police Department, you often must visit the Aspen Parking Department (427 Rio Grande Place) to pay outstanding fines and obtain a release authorization before going to the tow yard. This department is closed on weekends, guaranteeing at least three days of storage fees if your vehicle is towed on a Friday evening.
• Jail Capacity and Transfer Risk: With only 14 total beds, the Pitkin County Jail frequently transfers inmates to neighboring counties, complicating release and attorney visits.
• Graveyard Shift Vulnerability: The Pitkin County Jail's "graveyard" shift is staffed by a single detention officer, which can significantly delay booking and release processing.

Given the complexities of vehicle impoundment, your first step after release should be to contact Shaun's Towing at their Basalt yard location (82 Duroux Lane, Basalt, CO 81621) to determine exactly where your vehicle is located and what documentation you need for release.