Rio Blanco County Court Process

Upon arrest and completion of initial processing (breath/blood test, fingerprinting) at the local station (Meeker PD or RBCSO), the defendant is secured for transport. The closure of the Rio Blanco County Detention Center for long-term housing purposes fundamentally altered the custodial landscape. Arrestees are transported to Moffat County Jail in Craig.

DWI Court Procedures in Rio Blanco County, Colorado

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, it’s crucial to understand the court procedures that will govern your case. Due to the county's unique geographical challenges and inter-county agreements, the process can be complex. Rio Blanco County operates as a "logistical dumbbell," with two primary population centers—Meeker and Rangely—separated by approximately 57 miles.

Court Venues: Meeker and Rangely

Rio Blanco County is part of the 9th Judicial District, along with Garfield and Pitkin Counties. Court proceedings take place in two different locations within Rio Blanco County, so verify the location listed on your Summons and Complaint to avoid a Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant.

Asset Recovery (Impound)

After a DUI arrest in Rio Blanco County, your vehicle will be impounded. The location of the impound lot depends on where you were arrested. If the arrest occurred in Meeker or the surrounding area, Valley Repair & Towing is the primary service provider. They are located in the Eastern Sector. If the arrest occurred in Rangely, Dinosaur, or along the CO-64 and CO-139 corridors, RF & Son Recoveries handles impounds. Keep in mind that RF & Son Recoveries is based out of Loma/Mack, about 70 miles south of Rangely.

Valley Repair & Towing is closed on weekends, which can result in additional storage fees. If you are arrested late on a Friday night, you likely won't be able to retrieve your vehicle until Monday, incurring unavoidable storage fee accumulation. Vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR cost approximately $47.12 per 24-hour period for storage. For vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR, this cost is approximately $58.13 per 24-hour period.

Towing vendors are legally prohibited from releasing a vehicle impounded for a DUI without authorization from the seizing agency. Clearing the hold involves contacting the Records Division of the arresting agency, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office (RBCSO) Civil/Records Division at (970) 878-9630. Ask for Office Manager Nicole Mendenhall or Records Technician Nancy Murphy. Their hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Lunch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM).