Rio Grande County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Rio Grande 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 Grande 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 DUI defendant in Rio Grande County faces a "death by a thousand cuts" scenario where geographic displacement amplifies every administrative requirement. This is especially true regarding bail and release.
Rio Grande County Jail Location and Contact
It is vital to distinguish the Rio Grande County Jail from the Rio Grande Processing Center (ICE). The County Jail, where DUI arrestees are held, is located at 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte, CO 81132. The phone number is 719-657-4000. Save this number as "County Jail" in your phone to avoid confusion.
Posting Bail in Rio Grande County
Bonding agents and Master Control can process releases around the clock, even though the Sheriff's Admin is open Monday through Friday. This means you can potentially post bail and secure release at any time, day or night.
The "Alamosa Run" After Release
A significant challenge after release is license reinstatement and interlock device installation. Bundle the DMV reinstatement hearing and the Interlock installation into a single trip to Alamosa, located about 32 miles east of Del Norte. Pre-book the Interlock appointment at 1825 State Ave (the "Interlock Supercenter" for the region) for the same morning you plan to visit the DMV at Independence Way.
Vehicle Retrieval Post-Release: A Critical First Step
Do not wait for the court date to retrieve your vehicle. Borrow money if necessary to get the vehicle out of impound within 48 hours. This halts the storage fee accrual and avoids the 30-day abandonment trigger. Ace Towing, a primary towing company in the region, charges an $85 hook fee + $100 after-hours fee. Expect a minimum $200 bill, even for a short tow. Ace Towing is located at 12 Washington Street, Monte Vista, CO 81144.
Courthouse Accessibility
If visiting the court, call 719-657-3394 regarding the elevator status. Do not assume accessibility. The Rio Grande County Combined Court is located in Del Norte.
Courtroom Technology
You can keep your phone in court (unlike federal court), but it must be strictly OFF. Download the WebEx app and test it on a strong Wi-Fi connection. Do not rely on cellular data in the San Luis Valley for court appearances.
Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office: 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte, CO 81132.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Rio Grande County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety