Rio Grande County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Rio Grande County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Rio Grande County can feel overwhelming, especially given the county's unique geographical challenges. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the process, from understanding your rights and deadlines to finding local resources. We'll focus on what makes Rio Grande County different, offering specific information to help you make informed decisions.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Rio Grande County

After a DUI arrest in Rio Grande County, you'll likely be taken to the Rio Grande County Jail. The arresting officer, typically from the Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office or the Colorado State Patrol, will process your paperwork and administer, or attempt to administer, a breath or blood test. Understanding what happens next, and the deadlines you face, is crucial.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours are critical. Here's a timeline:

• Arrest: You're pulled over, and the officer suspects DUI. After field sobriety tests and potentially a roadside breathalyzer (preliminary breath test or PBT), you are arrested.
• Booking: At the Rio Grande County Jail, you'll be photographed, fingerprinted, and your belongings will be inventoried.
• Phone Calls: You'll be allowed to make phone calls, typically to arrange for bail or contact an attorney. Save the number 719-657-4000 as "County Jail" in your phone.
• Bail: Bail allows you to be released from jail while awaiting trial. Bail amounts vary but are often set according to a standard schedule. Bonding is available 24/7, even though the Sheriff's Admin operates Monday-Friday. Angels & Outlaws Bail Bonds is a local option.
• Release: Once bail is posted, you'll be released with a court date and instructions regarding your driver's license revocation.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have 7 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV). This is crucial to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Request this hearing from the DMV, not the court. Missing this deadline results in automatic license revocation.
• Court Appearance: Your court date will be on the paperwork you receive upon release.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended automatically. The length of the suspension depends on the specifics of your case.

DUI Enforcement in Rio Grande County

While specific DUI checkpoint locations aren't published, be aware that the Colorado State Patrol actively patrols highways in Rio Grande County.

Local Resources

• Rio Grande County Court: 925 6th Street, Room 204, Del Norte, CO 81132. Phone: 719-657-3394. The Court Clerk's office generally operates Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Avoid visiting between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. due to limited or no service during the lunch hour. Call 719-657-3394 regarding the elevator status if accessibility is a concern.
• Rio Grande County Clerk & Recorder (Vehicle Registration, Titles, and License Plates): 965 6th Street (Annex Bldg), Del Norte. Open Monday-Thursday 7am-5pm. The office is closed on Fridays.
• State Driver’s License Office (Alamosa): 8999 Independence Way, Ste. 101, Alamosa, CO. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
• Bail Bonds: Angels & Outlaws Bail Bonds.
• DUI Attorneys: (General info: Search for DUI attorneys in Del Norte or Alamosa. No specific recommendations provided).
• Interlock Services: While there are no primary installation centers directly in Del Norte or South Fork, virtually all major state-approved vendors operate out of the same physical complex in Alamosa: 1825 State Ave #15. This includes Intoxalock, LifeSafer, Guardian Interlock, and Smart Start. The service technician is likely the same person or team for multiple brands.

What Makes Rio Grande County Different

Rio Grande County presents unique challenges due to its rural location and limited resources:

• The "Alamosa Run": Many critical services, including the DMV and Interlock installation, are located in Alamosa, requiring a 30-50 mile drive. Bundle the DMV reinstatement hearing and the Interlock installation into a single trip to Alamosa. Pre-book the Interlock appointment at 1825 State Ave for the same morning you plan to visit the DMV at Independence Way.
• The Interlock Desert: The concentration of Interlock vendors in Alamosa creates a logistical hurdle. Remember to factor in monthly calibrations, which will require repeated trips. 1825 State Ave in Alamosa is the "Interlock Supercenter" for the region.
• VIN Inspections: The Rio Grande County Clerk does not perform VIN inspections. If required, you must schedule this with the Sheriff's Office or Colorado State Patrol, potentially requiring a tow to the inspection site.
• The "Lunch Gap": Avoid visiting the courthouse and Clerk's office between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to avoid waiting in a locked lobby.
• Accessibility Pre-Check: Call 719-657-3394 regarding the elevator status at the court before visiting.
• Tech Preparation: Download the WebEx app and test it on a strong Wi-Fi connection for court appearances.

Remember to retrieve your vehicle from impound quickly to avoid accumulating storage fees. Borrow money if necessary to get the vehicle out of impound within 48 hours. Save the number 719-657-4000 as "County Jail." And finally, remember that you can keep your phone in court, but it must be strictly OFF.