San Juan County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in San Juan County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI can be a disorienting experience, especially when it occurs in a rural area like San Juan County. This guide provides immediate, practical information to help you navigate the process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to protect your future. Because San Juan County contracts with La Plata County for jail services, understanding the logistical landscape is crucial. This guide covers everything from initial arrest procedures to court appearances and license reinstatement, with a focus on the specific challenges and resources available in San Juan County.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Following a DUI arrest in San Juan County, the initial hours are critical. Here's a typical timeline:

1. Arrest and Initial Processing: The arrest typically occurs by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) deputies. After processing, you'll likely be transported approximately 48 miles south on US-550 to the La Plata County Detention Center in Durango. This transport can take about an hour under ideal conditions, but winter weather can double that time or even halt transport if mountain passes close.
2. Booking at La Plata County Jail: Booking officially occurs at the La Plata County Detention Center, located at 742 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303. The phone number is (970) 247-1161, ext. 2.
3. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. It's vital to contact a DUI attorney and a licensed bail bondsman as soon as possible. Remember that if a stop occurs on Molas Pass, there will likely be no cell service, so the first opportunity to call counsel will be upon arrival in Durango.
4. Bail: Bail amounts for DUI/DWAI (Misdemeanor) are typically set at $1,000, according to the 6th Judicial District's bond schedule. Driving Under Restraint (Alcohol Related) is $3,000. Felony DUI (F4) can range from $2,000 to $10,000 and may require monitored sobriety. If the DUI involves domestic violence, a "No Bond" hold is mandatory until you appear before a magistrate.
5. Posting Bond: Bond can be posted in several ways:

• TouchPay Kiosk: Located in the La Plata County Jail lobby, accepts cash, credit, and debit cards (Facility ID: 781303).
• Online: Through touchpayonline.com, requiring the Inmate’s ID Number (found on VINELink).
• Cash (In-Person): At the jail window, but you must provide the exact amount.
• Bail Bondsman: Several agencies operate in the 6th Judicial District.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge your license suspension. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Initial Court Appearance: Your first court appearance will be scheduled at the San Juan County Combined Court. The date will be on your paperwork from the La Plata County Jail.
• License Suspension: If you do not request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended, typically 30 days after the arrest date.

DUI Enforcement in San Juan County

DUI enforcement in San Juan County presents unique challenges due to its remote location and seasonal tourism. While specific DUI checkpoint locations are not publicly released, increased patrols are common during peak tourist seasons and holidays. Be aware that stops can occur on Molas Pass with no cell service.

Local Resources

• San Juan County Combined Court: San Juan County Courthouse, 1557 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433. Clerk Phone: (970) 387-5790. Hours of Operation: Mon: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Tue & Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed 12-1 Lunch). Closed on Wednesdays and Fridays. For urgent assistance when the court is closed, contact La Plata County Clerk: (970) 247-2304.
• Finding a Licensed Bail Bondsman: A licensed bail bondsman can assist with posting bond. You can find a list of licensed bail bondsmen operating in the 6th Judicial District online.

What Makes San Juan County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI arrest in San Juan County unique:

• "Silverton Stranding" Risk: Upon release from the La Plata County Jail in Durango, you face the risk of being stranded 50 miles from Silverton, especially late at night. Arrange for a "jail pickup" with a private vehicle or pre-booked shuttle before posting bond. Buck Horn Limousine offers taxi-like service to Silverton, but requires a reservation.
• Limited Court Hours: The San Juan County Combined Court is closed on Wednesdays and Fridays, which can delay the processing of legal matters. Urgent matters can be routed through the La Plata County Clerk in Durango.
• Zoom Hearings: The Colorado
  DMV Hearings Division has shifted almost entirely to Zoom video conferencing. This eliminates the need to travel to Durango or Grand Junction for the administrative hearing.
• IID Challenges: If required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), be aware that there are no certified installers within San Juan County. You must travel to Durango or Cortez for installation and monthly calibrations. The extreme cold can also cause battery drain and "Too Cold" errors. Choose a vendor with a Head Unit Disconnect feature and consider purchasing a "battery tender" (trickle charger).
• Snow Route Affirmative Defense: If your vehicle is towed due to a snow plow cycle while you are in custody, secure jail records to challenge municipal parking citations from the Town of Silverton by proving "impossibility of compliance" due to incarceration.

The San Juan County Combined Court is located at 1557 Greene Street, Silverton, CO 81433. Contact the Clerk's office at (970) 387-5790 to confirm your court date and time.