Routt County Court Process
Complete guide to arraignment, court dates, plea options, and what to expect during your case in Routt County.
Court Information
Court Process Timeline
Arraignment
First court appearance, typically within 24-48 hours after arrest.
What Happens:
- Judge reads charges against you
- You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
- Bail is set or reviewed
- Next court date is scheduled
- Public defender appointed if needed
Pre-Trial Hearings
Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.
Attorney Activities:
- Review police reports and evidence
- File motions to suppress evidence
- Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
- Negotiate plea bargains
- Discuss diversion program eligibility
Plea Bargain or Trial
Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.
Plea Bargain Benefits
- • Reduced charges
- • Lighter sentence
- • Certainty of outcome
- • Lower costs
Trial Risks
- • Maximum sentence if convicted
- • Higher legal fees
- • Uncertainty
- • Time consuming
Sentencing
Judge determines penalties based on the plea agreement or trial verdict. Sentences may include fines, probation, jail time, license suspension, IID, SCRAM monitoring, and/or DUI classes.
Don't Face This Alone
A attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, between jail time and probation. They know local judges, prosecutors, and can challenge evidence that you might not even know is challengeable.
Find Routt County AttorneysThe Routt County Combined Communication Center can be reached at 970-879-1090 to determine where your vehicle was towed after a DUI arrest and whether it's eligible for release. Attempting to go to the tow yard before this call is usually a waste of time.
Impoundment Procedures in Routt County
After a DUI arrest in Routt County, your vehicle will be impounded by one of the private towing companies authorized by the Routt County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) and Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD). Primary operators include Rocky Mountain Towing and Steamboat Towing & Transportation LLC. The company that tows your vehicle depends on a rotation list. Rocky Mountain Towing advertises 24/7/365 availability.
To retrieve your vehicle, you will need to clear a law enforcement hold, prove you are the registered owner (or have a notarized release from the owner), and provide proof of insurance and identity.
Important "Protected Items" you can retrieve from your vehicle without paying any fees include:
- State/Federal Identification (Driver's License, Passport)
- Keys
- Cellular Telephones
- Medication and Medical Devices
- Credit Cards and Cash
- Child Restraint Systems
Detention and Bonding at the Routt County Jail
The Routt County Detention Center (Jail) is located at 2027 Shield Drive, Steamboat Springs. Keep in mind that while the jail operates 24/7, processing a bond and releasing an inmate isn't continuous. Shift changes occur around 06:00-07:00 and 18:00-19:00, which can cause delays. Meal times (Breakfast: 07:30, Lunch: 12:30, Dinner: 17:30) and medication rounds (07:00, 12:00, 20:00) also create pauses in processing releases.
If someone is posting a cash bond for you, make sure they explicitly request to be designated as the Surety on the bond paperwork. This protects the money from being used to pay fines or court costs later.
Court Procedures at the Routt County Combined Court
The Routt County Combined Court is located at 1955 Shield Drive. Note that the Clerk's office closes from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month for staff meetings.
The County Court Judge who presides over most misdemeanor DUI cases is Judge Erin Wilson. She was appointed in 2021, and has a background as a public defender. Defendants and public observers should be aware of the strict electronic device ban. Phones must be silent, and a phone ringing during proceedings can lead to confiscation and a contempt citation. There are no public lockers at the Justice Center to store phones if they are denied entry.
Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds and Ross Bail Bonds service the Routt County area. Dennis Blackwell even advertises "100% online" bonding.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Routt County District Court
Colorado Court System
24/7 Legal Support
Need a Attorney in Routt County?
Get connected with experienced attorneys who know Routt County courts and can fight for the best outcome.