Rio Grande County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Rio Grande County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Rio Grande County can be a disorienting experience. It's crucial to understand the immediate steps, deadlines, and unique aspects of the legal process in this part of Colorado. This guide provides a roadmap to navigate the aftermath of a DUI arrest in Rio Grande County, focusing on practical information and local resources.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in Rio Grande County, you will likely be transported to the Rio Grande County Jail, located at 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte, CO 81132. It is important to remember that this is distinct from the Rio Grande Processing Center (ICE), a federal immigration detention facility. Families often mistakenly contact the ICE facility, causing unnecessary confusion. The Sheriff's Office phone number is 719-657-4000.

The booking process at the jail involves several steps:

• Biometrics: Fingerprinting and mugshots will be taken.
• Warrant Check: Your information will be checked against the NCIC/CCIC databases for any outstanding warrants.
• Intoxication Hold: If you are visibly intoxicated, you will not be released immediately, even if bail is posted. You will be held until you are deemed sober enough to be released safely, or until a sober, responsible party can take custody of you.

Once the booking process is complete, you will be allowed to make phone calls. You will also be informed of your bail amount, which is set according to the 12th Judicial District's bond schedule and Colorado statutes.

Bail in Rio Grande County can be posted in a few ways:

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: A signature bond that requires no money, based on your promise to appear in court. This is more common for first-time DUI offenses with no aggravating factors.
• Cash/Surety Bond: Requires posting the full bail amount in cash or using a licensed bail bondsman.

The Sheriff charges a $10.00 bond filing fee. If paying by credit card, a maximum transaction fee of 3.5% is applied. Importantly, the Sheriff is prohibited from charging "kiosk fees" or "booking fees" as a condition of release. According to Angels & Outlaws Bail Bonds, Rio Grande County will accept bonds 24/7, and defendants are generally released within an hour of bonding. While the Sheriff's administrative office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Jail Master Control operates 24/7 for bond processing. Colorado law mandates that the Sheriff must release a defendant within six hours after a bond is set and the jail is notified, barring "extraordinary circumstances."

Critical Deadlines

Several critical deadlines must be met to protect your rights after a DUI arrest:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 7 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV) to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Missing this deadline results in automatic license revocation.
• Court Appearance Date: Your court appearance date will be listed on your bond paperwork. Missing this date can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

DUI Enforcement in Rio Grande County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly available, it's important to be aware that the Colorado State Patrol and the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office actively enforce DUI laws.

Local Resources

• Rio Grande County Jail: 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte, CO 81132. Phone: 719-657-4000.
• Rio Grande Combined Court: 925 6th Street, Room 204, Del Norte, CO 81132.
• Court Clerk: Hollie Wheelwright. Phone: 719-657-3394.
• Rio Grande County Clerk & Recorder (Vehicle Registration, Titles, License Plates): 965 6th Street (Annex Bldg), Del Norte. This office is closed on Fridays.
• Colorado DMV (Driver's Licenses, Reinstatements, ALR Hearings): 8999 Independence Way, Ste. 101, Alamosa, CO.
• To find a licensed bail bondsman: Start by contacting the Rio Grande County Jail or searching online directories. Ensure they are licensed to operate in Colorado.

What Makes Rio Grande County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in Rio Grande County unique:

• Facility Confusion: Families often mistakenly contact the Rio Grande Processing Center (ICE) instead of the Rio Grande County Jail. Always verify the facility by calling 719-657-4000.
• 24/7 Bonding: While the Sheriff's administrative office has limited hours, bonding agents can process releases around the clock.
• Towing and Impound: Rio Grande County relies on private towing operators. Your vehicle will likely be towed by Ace Towing (Monte Vista) or Glenn's Auto Repair (Del Norte), depending on the location of your arrest. Ace Towing charges an $85 hook fee and a $100 after-hours fee. The abandoned vehicle clock starts ticking after 30 days, so prompt retrieval is critical.
• Sheriff's Release: To get your vehicle back after a DUI arrest, you must first obtain a release from the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office at 640 Cherry Street. This can only be done Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• VIN Inspection Gap: The Rio Grande County Clerk does not perform VIN inspections. Schedule this with the Sheriff's Office or Colorado State Patrol if needed.
• Limited DMV Services: There is no full-service DMV office in Rio Grande County. You must travel to Alamosa for driver's license services, including reinstatement and applying for a Probationary Driver's License.
• WebEx Court Appearances: The 12th Judicial District relies heavily on WebEx for court appearances. Judge Jason Kelly's WebEx Room is 2598 753 7910, and Judge Tamara Sullivan's is 920 424 857.
• Courthouse Accessibility: The courthouse elevator is currently out of service. If you require accommodation, contact the clerk at 719-657-3394 well in advance.
• Lunch Gap: The Court Clerk's office likely closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

To start the process of getting your car back, contact Ace Towing at 12 Washington Street, Monte Vista, CO 81144, or Glenn's Auto Repair at 14507 US-160, Del Norte, CO 81132, depending on where it was towed.