Rio Blanco County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Rio Blanco County.
How Bail Bonds Work
Option 1: Cash Bond (Pay Full Amount)
How it works: Pay the full bail amount to the court
Pros: Get full amount back after case concludes (minus court fees)
Cons: Requires full amount upfront
Option 2: Bail Bondsman (Most Common)
How it works: Pay 10-15% fee to bondsman, they post full bail
Cost: Typically 10% of bail amount (non-refundable)
Pros: Only need 10% upfront instead of full amount
Cons: Fee is non-refundable, may require collateral, co-signer assumes liability
Co-Signer Liability Warning
Important for Co-Signers:
- You are 100% liable if defendant does not appear in court
- You must pay the full bail amount if defendant skips
- Bondsman can seize collateral (house, car, etc.)
- You cannot cancel the bond - only the court can
- Liability continues until case is fully resolved
Release Timeline
Arrest & Booking (2-8 hours)
Fingerprinting, photographing, background check, medical screening
Arraignment (Within 24-48 hours)
First court appearance, judge sets bail amount, charges are read
Bail Posted (1-4 hours)
Family contacts bondsman, paperwork signed, fee paid
Release (2-6 hours)
Processing, release paperwork, return of personal property, court date assigned
Total Time Estimate
From arrest to release: 12-48 hours depending on booking workload, time of arrest (weekends take longer), and how quickly bail is posted.
After Release: Critical Deadlines
1. Request MVD Hearing - 15 Days
You have only 15 days from arrest to request your administrative license hearing. This is separate from your criminal case.
2. Retrieve Your Vehicle
Impound fees accrue daily. Get your car as soon as possible to avoid hundreds in storage fees.
Calculate Impound Costs3. Hire an Attorney
A attorney can help with license hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.
Find Rio Blanco County Lawyers4. Appear at ALL Court Dates
Missing court will result in bond forfeiture, arrest warrant, and additional charges. Your co-signer will be liable for the full bail amount.
The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office (RBCSO) transitioned to an outsourcing model in October 2021, contracting with the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office to house detainees in Craig, Colorado. This means anyone arrested for DUI in Rio Blanco County will be transported to Craig.
DUI Bail in Rio Blanco County: What You Need to Know
Being arrested for DUI in Rio Blanco County presents unique logistical challenges due to the county's geography and reliance on inter-county agreements. Understanding the bail process and where to post bond is crucial to securing your release and navigating the legal system.
Where to Post Bail
Since the Rio Blanco County Detention Center closed for long-term housing, you must post bail at the Moffat County Jail in Craig, Colorado.
- Address: Moffat County Jail, Craig, CO (Specific street address not provided in source).
- Availability: You can post bail 24/7 at the Moffat County Jail lobby using the kiosk or window.
You may be able to post bond at the Rio Blanco Clerk’s office during business hours (8 AM to 5 PM, Monday-Friday). The clerk will then fax the release order to Moffat County, however, this method introduces a delay.
Local Bond Options
- Cash Bond: You can post the full bail amount in cash.
- Surety Bond: If you cannot afford the full cash bond, you can use a bail bondsman. Using a bondsman based in Craig or Moffat County is operationally superior to using one based in Meeker or Grand Junction because a local agent can physically walk the paperwork into the jail.
- Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Eligibility for a PR bond (release without posting bail) depends on the circumstances of your case and your criminal history.
Release Timeline
Under Colorado statute HB 21-1280, the Moffat County Sheriff is mandated to release a defendant within six hours after a cash bond is set/posted or a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond is authorized, unless "extraordinary circumstances" exist. The facility may hold the defendant until their Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) drops below a statutory limit (often 0.05 or 0.00) for safety reasons, classifying intoxication as a safety risk that justifies delay.
Payment Methods
- In-Person (Craig): Cash, credit card (surcharge applies).
- Remote/Online: Moffat County utilizes "TouchPay" or similar remote bond payment systems (often accessed via crimewatch.net or the Sheriff's site). Credit card payments attract a fee of up to 3.5%.
A statutory $10.00 booking/bond fee is assessed, in addition to any transaction surcharges. These fees are non-refundable.
The "Stranded in Craig" Problem
After being released from the Moffat County Jail, you will be in Craig, which is approximately 50 miles from Meeker or 90 miles from Rangely. There is zero public transit between these towns at night, and Uber and Lyft coverage is virtually non-existent in this rural corridor.
Families must depart for Craig immediately upon notification of the arrest. Driving time from Meeker is ~50 mins; from Rangely ~1 hr 40 mins. The Public Safety Center lobby in Craig is the only safe waiting area if transport is unavailable.
For assistance clearing the Law Enforcement Hold on your vehicle, contact the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office (RBCSO) Civil/Records Division at (970) 878-9630. The office is open Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM). Ask for Office Manager Nicole Mendenhall or Records Technician Nancy Murphy.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety