Pueblo County DUI Bail Guide

The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) operates out of the judicial complex on Main Street but relies on private towing networks and a specific impound protocol that differs from county operations. Their "Evidentiary Hold" protocols are particularly rigorous and often require direct intervention from the District Attorney's office to resolve.

DUI Bail in Pueblo County, Colorado: A Local Guide

This guide provides Pueblo County-specific information regarding DUI bail procedures, logistics, and potential challenges. It is intended for defendants, their families, and legal professionals navigating the local system.

Jurisdictional Considerations

DUI arrests in Pueblo County can be made by several agencies, each with slightly different procedures:

• Pueblo Police Department (PPD): Primarily handles arrests within city limits.
• Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO): Manages the detention facility (jail) and handles arrests in unincorporated areas like Pueblo West. They also control the jail intake and release schedule.
• Colorado State Patrol (CSP): Patrolling I-25 and Highway 50. CSP arrests may involve different towing companies and vehicle storage locations.
• 10th Judicial District: Handles criminal prosecution of DUIs.

Arrest and Vehicle Impound

Following a DUI arrest, the driver is transported to jail, and the vehicle is typically impounded under a "Law Enforcement-Ordered Tow." This type of tow differs from consensual tows or private property impounds. Understanding the specific impound protocols of the arresting agency is crucial.

The Jail Intake and Bond Schedule

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) manages the detention facility (jail) and handles arrests in the unincorporated areas, including the sprawling Pueblo West district and rural county zones. They control the critical bottleneck of the jail intake and the unique "batched" release schedule that defines the bail bond rhythm in the county.

Bond Hearings are held in Division 101 on:

• Monday @ 11:30 AM
• Tue-Fri @ 2:30 PM
• Saturday @ 1:30 PM

Pueblo utilizes a standard bond schedule where a Felony DUI (Class 4) carries a reference bond of $10,000. Monitored abstinence (UA testing or ankle monitor) is a mandatory condition of bond for Felony DUI. This adds a daily cost to the defendant's freedom ($10-$15/day for monitoring) and requires immediate enrollment in a sobriety program.

Court Logistics and Challenges

The Dennis Maes Judicial Building is located at 501 N. Elizabeth Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. The building is designed with security as the primary filter. There is a single public entrance with airport-style screening. Long lines can form at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM; defendants should arrive 30 minutes early to clear security.

The 10th Judicial District enforces a rigorous ban on electronic devices for non-attorneys in courtrooms, which creates a significant communication blackout. While the written rule allows phones on silent in hallways, strictly enforced "no usage" zones in courtrooms mean that a defendant cannot check their calendar to schedule the next hearing, cannot text their ride that they are done, and cannot look up a phone number for a bondsman while in the proceedings.

The DMV Administrative Peril

The Pueblo Driver License Office is located at 827 W. 4th St, Pueblo, CO 81003. and is open Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Reinstatement is not just paying a fee; it involves a specific sequence of actions: obtaining SR-22 insurance, installing an interlock device (if required), paying the $95 reinstatement fee, and clearing holds from other states.

Interlock Vendor Selection

The geography of service centers is critical. A device that locks out (due to a violation or battery failure) requires a tow to the service center. Proximity to home or work is the most important factor in vendor selection to mitigate towing costs.

SmartStart Locations: Cortez Construction Co Inc.: 1015 Fir St, Pueblo, CO 81001. Advanced Interlock Management: 2124 S Prairie Ave, Unit A, Pueblo, CO 81005. 5 Star Auto Care Center: 401 W 29th St, Pueblo, CO 81008.

Intoxalock Locations: Drive In Autosound: 1404 Highway 50 West. Family Automotive: 2124 B South Prairie Ave. SWAT Lighting LLC: 412 W 6th Street.

Public Transit to Court

To get to the Dennis Maes Judicial Building (501 N Elizabeth St): The Pueblo Transit Center is located at 123 Court Street.

The Hub: The Pueblo Transit Center is located at 123 Court Street.