Pueblo County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Pueblo County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can be a disorienting experience. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process in Pueblo County, Colorado. It covers everything from initial booking procedures to understanding critical deadlines and finding local resources.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Pueblo County

After a DUI arrest in Pueblo County, you'll face a series of immediate steps, legal proceedings, and administrative actions. It’s important to understand that the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) process is independent from the court. A dismissal in criminal court does not automatically reinstate your license if the DMV Admin Per Se revocation is already in effect. You must navigate both tracks separately.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest, here’s a general timeline of what to expect in Pueblo County:

1. Arrest and Initial Processing: You will be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer.
2. Booking: You will be transported to the Judicial Intake building at 501 N. Elizabeth, Pueblo, CO, before being transferred to the main housing or released. This is a distinct facility from the main jail tower.
3. Phone Calls: After booking, you'll be allowed to make phone calls. Use this opportunity to contact a licensed bail bondsman or a DUI attorney.
4. Bail: Bail can be posted to secure your release. In Pueblo County, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office oversees the detention center.

How bail works in Pueblo County:

• Batched Release Schedule: Unlike some jurisdictions, Pueblo County utilizes a "Batched Schedule" for inmate releases. This means releases occur only four times a day: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.
• The One Hour Rule: To be included in a release batch, the bond must be posted and all paperwork finalized at least one hour prior to the scheduled release time. For example, if you aim for the 1:00 PM release, the bond must be posted by 12:00 PM. Missing this deadline means waiting until the next scheduled release.
• Where to Post Bail: Bail can be posted at the Pueblo County Detention Center, located at 909 Court Street, Pueblo, CO 81003.
• Payment Methods: Cash bonds can be paid via the kiosk in the lobby (accepts cash/credit) or cashier's check. Surety bonds are obtained through a professional bondsman.
• Bond Fee: There is a $10.00 bond fee required by the jail for each bond posted.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only seven days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline results in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: Your first court appearance will be scheduled shortly after your arrest. The date will be on your release paperwork.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license suspension will begin. The length of the suspension depends on the specifics of your case, including prior offenses and BAC level.

DUI Enforcement in Pueblo County

It's important to be aware of DUI enforcement patterns in Pueblo County. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly advertised, increased DUI enforcement often occurs during holidays and weekends. A BAC of 0.15 or higher results in a "Persistent Drunk Driver" designation. Refusal of the test also triggers this designation. This mandates a 2-year interlock requirement, even for a first offense.

Local Resources

• 10th Judicial District (Pueblo County Courthouse): Dennis Maes Judicial Building, 501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. The Clerk windows are open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Pueblo County Detention Center: 909 Court Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. Phone: 719-583-6135.
• Pueblo Driver License Office: 827 W. 4th St, Pueblo, CO 81003. Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Full service, including Reinstatement.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: Look for licensed bail bondsmen near the Pueblo County Detention Center. Many are located within walking distance to expedite the release process.
• Finding a DUI Attorney: Seek out a qualified DUI attorney familiar with the Pueblo County court system and Colorado DUI laws.

What Makes Pueblo County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Pueblo County unique:

• The 9-1-6-10 Release Schedule: The Pueblo County Detention Center's "Batched Schedule" for inmate releases is a critical logistical factor. Missing the one-hour cutoff before each release time can result in significant delays.
• SR-22 Insurance: Obtaining a certificate of financial responsibility (SR-22) is a sequence in the reinstatement process.
• Interlock Installation: Installing the device is mandatory for BAC > 0.15 or Refusal.
• Reinstatement Fee: Paying the $95 fee at the Pueblo Driver License Office.
• Clearing Holds: Ensuring no other states (NDR check) have holds on the license.
• Transit Options: For those without a valid driver's license, Pueblo Transit offers bus service to the Dennis Maes Judicial Building. The Pueblo Transit Center is located at 123 Court Street, a short walk from the courthouse. However, note that bus service operates Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM, with no service on Sundays.

To reinstate your driving privileges after a DUI in Pueblo, visit the Pueblo Driver License Office at 827 W. 4th St, Pueblo, CO 81003. Appointments are strongly recommended via mydmv.colorado.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I miss the one-hour cutoff for a jail release in Pueblo County? A: If you miss the one-hour cutoff before the scheduled release times (9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 6:00 PM, or 10:00 PM), your loved one will not be released until the next scheduled release time, potentially adding several hours to their detention.

Q: Where do I go to post bail in Pueblo County? A: You can post bail at the Pueblo County Detention Center, located at 909 Court Street, Pueblo, CO 81003.

Q: How do I request an ALR hearing in Pueblo County? A: You must request an ALR hearing within seven days of your DUI arrest by contacting the Colorado DMV Hearings Division.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen in our bail bond directory or find a local DUI attorney in our attorney directory.

Sources

• Pueblo Combined Court | Colorado Judicial Branch
• Detention Center | Pueblo County Sheriff, CO
• Post an Inmate's Bond | Pueblo County Sheriff, CO
• The DUI Administrative Process | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle - Colorado DMV
• Process to Reinstate Driving Privilege | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle - Colorado DMV
• Rider's Guide | Pueblo, CO - Official Website