Saguache County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Saguache County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Saguache County presents unique challenges due to its vast geography and rural infrastructure. With a population density of only 2 people per square mile, navigating the legal system after a DUI arrest requires a specific understanding of local procedures. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you understand what to expect and what steps to take to protect your rights and navigate the system effectively. Because Saguache County operates within a "Tri-County Triangle," your case will involve Saguache (arrest/court), Rio Grande (detention), and Alamosa (administrative/services).

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest in Saguache County, whether by the Saguache County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), or the Center Police Department, you'll be taken into custody. Here's a general timeline:

• Arrest and Initial Processing: You'll be transported to the Rio Grande County Jail in Del Norte for booking, as Saguache County does not have its own detention facility.
• Booking: The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information.
• Phone Call: You will generally be allowed to make a phone call shortly after booking. Use this call wisely to contact family, a friend, or an attorney.
• Bond Hearing: Judge Jason Kelly, who serves as a County Court Judge (Conejos) but acts as the Bond Magistrate and covers advisements for the entire 12th Judicial District, including Saguache, will likely conduct your first appearance (advisement) or weekend bond hearing via WebEx. His Access Code is 2598 753 7910.
• Bail: Bail amounts are set according to a bond schedule. However, Judge Kelly is known to consider PR (Personal Recognizance) bonds for local residents with strong community ties who cannot afford the set bond, despite the "Monitored Abstinence" rules.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences in your DUI case. Be aware of these key dates:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 7 days from the date you are served with the "Express Consent Affidavit" to request a hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) to contest your license revocation. Do not rely on postal mail in Saguache County. Email your request to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us or use the mydmv.colorado.gov portal for an immediate timestamp.
• Court Appearance: The date of your first court appearance (arraignment) will be provided to you upon release. Missing this date can result in a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you fail to request an ALR hearing within 7 days, your license will be automatically revoked on the 8th day. If a blood test was taken, the 7-day clock starts from the date of the letter containing the toxicology results.

DUI Enforcement in Saguache County

Due to the vastness of Saguache County, DUI enforcement can be sporadic but targeted. While specific checkpoint locations are not publicly released, enforcement is more likely along major corridors like U.S. Highway 285 and State Highway 114, especially between population centers. Be aware that enforcement may increase during holidays and weekends.

Local Resources

• Saguache County Court: (No courthouse data available yet)
• Alamosa Driver License Office: 702 Del Sol Drive, Alamosa, CO 81101. Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. for lunch). Appointment scheduling: dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling.
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for bail bondsmen serving Saguache County.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for qualified DUI attorneys in the San Luis Valley.

What Makes Saguache County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Saguache County uniquely challenging:

• The "Tri-County Triangle": Your case will span three counties: Saguache (arrest/court), Rio Grande (detention), and Alamosa (DMV).
• Rural Impound Logistics: After your arrest, your vehicle is likely towed by a private company from either Chaffee County (north of Saguache) or Alamosa/Monte Vista (south of Saguache). If arrested near Villa Grove, your car might be towed to Poncha Springs, while you are taken to the jail in Del Norte. This leaves you geographically stranded upon release. Dark Knight Recovery, based in Poncha Springs, is a primary operator for the northern sector. Western Towing and Spartan Towing are frequently engaged in the south.
• Impound Costs: Due to the distances involved, towing fees will likely be at the upper limits of PUC-regulated rates. Expect high mileage charges.
• Virtual Courtroom: The 12th Judicial District utilizes WebEx for many hearings. Defense counsel should immediately move for permission for the defendant to appear virtually for all non-substantive hearings. Judge Kelly's Access Code is 2598 753 7910.
• DMV Access in Alamosa: All driver license matters must be handled at the Alamosa Driver License Office. Appointments are highly recommended, and walk-ins are limited. Check the scheduler (dmv.colorado.gov/AppointmentScheduling) at 8:00 a.m. daily for cancellations.
• Mail Delays: Rural mail delivery can be slow. Never use the postal service for hearing requests; email them to dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us or use the mydmv.colorado.gov portal.
• Interlock Installation: There are no mobile interlock installation services that travel to Saguache. You must get your vehicle to Alamosa. Consider Intoxalock (Backroads LLC: 1825 State Ave #15, Alamosa; Thunder Motor Co: 7302 Rodeo Lane, Alamosa) or Smart Start (Ace In Your Pocket: 183 Broadway Ave, Alamosa).

To start the process of requesting your ALR hearing, immediately email dor_hearingrequest@state.co.us. This timestamp will protect you if mail delivery is slow.