San Juan County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in San Juan County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in San Juan County presents unique challenges due to its remote location and jurisdictional complexities. Unlike urban areas, a DUI arrest here often involves a multi-jurisdictional process with detention, administrative hearings, and reinstatement services primarily handled in neighboring La Plata County or centralized state offices in Denver. This guide provides immediate, practical guidance on navigating the DUI process in San Juan County, focusing on the specific procedures and logistical hurdles you'll face.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

After a DUI arrest by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) or Silverton Marshals, you'll likely experience the following timeline:

• Arrest and Roadside Investigation: The initial stop may occur on U.S. Highway 550 (the "Million Dollar Highway") or remote County Roads. Be aware that cellular service is unreliable in many areas, potentially hindering your ability to arrange for someone to retrieve your vehicle immediately.
• Vehicle Impoundment: If a sober passenger isn't available, your vehicle will likely be impounded. Animas Towing & Recovery is the primary towing vendor for Silverton and the immediate county vicinity.
• Transportation to La Plata County: San Juan County doesn't have its own jail. You will be transported approximately 50 miles south across high-mountain passes to the detention facility in Durango, La Plata County. This transfer is a defining characteristic of the San Juan County DUI process.
• Booking: Upon arrival in Durango, you'll be booked into the La Plata County jail.
• Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact a family member, friend, or attorney.
• Bail: Bail amounts vary depending on the specifics of your case. Information on bail can be obtained from the La Plata County jail or a bail bondsman.

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have serious consequences for your driving privileges and your case:

• ALR Hearing (Department of Motor Vehicles): You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Requesting this hearing stops the automatic suspension of your driver's license. Failure to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in an automatic license suspension.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a summons with your court date. Missing this date can lead to a warrant for your arrest.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license suspension will begin automatically. The length of the suspension depends on the specifics of the DUI charge and your prior driving record.

DUI Enforcement in San Juan County

Due to the challenging terrain and limited resources, DUI enforcement in San Juan County presents unique characteristics.

• Isolation Factor: The remote nature of the county means that roadside investigations can be hampered by communication blackouts due to lack of reliable cell service.
• Snow Route Impound Trap: During winter months, the Town of Silverton enforces a strict Snow Route Ordinance. If your vehicle is left parked on a public street overnight during a "Red Alert" snow event, it will be towed for snow removal violation, compounding impound fees and legal entanglements. The town declares a "Red Alert" when snow accumulation warrants full plowing. During a Red Alert, there is no parking allowed on Greene Street (the main commercial drag) from Midnight to 8:00 AM.

Local Resources

• San Juan County Court: (No courthouse data available yet)
• La Plata County Jail (Booking Location): 742 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303. Phone: (970) 385-2900.
• Animas Towing & Recovery (Primary Towing Vendor): Call Wayne at (970) 946-4303. Note: Vehicle recovery outside standard business hours may require personal negotiation.
• Bail Bondsmen: Search online for bail bondsmen serving La Plata County.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for qualified DUI attorneys in Durango or serving San Juan County.

What Makes San Juan County Different

San Juan County's DUI process is unique due to several factors:

• Jurisdictional Displacement: Detention and administrative hearings are primarily handled in La Plata County or Denver due to the lack of local infrastructure.
• Remote Location and Communication Challenges: The county's rugged terrain and lack of reliable cellular service can complicate roadside investigations and vehicle recovery.
• "Snow Route" Impound Trap: During winter months, vehicles parked on public streets in Silverton during snow events are subject to towing, compounding the impound fees and legal entanglements. Be aware of the alternating-side parking schedule during snow events. Vehicles must be parked on the EVEN (blue) side of the street after midnight on even-dated mornings, and on the ODD (red) side of the street after midnight on odd-dated mornings.
• Animas Towing & Recovery Operational Nuances: Animas Towing operates as a "micro-fleet" with a direct personal contact ("Call Wayne"). Release procedures are likely manual rather than automated, which may require personal negotiation to retrieve your vehicle outside of standard business hours.
• "Police Hold" Bottleneck: If the SJSO places a "Police Hold" on your vehicle, it cannot be released without written authorization. If the arrest occurs on a Friday night, the vehicle is effectively frozen in the impound lot until at least Monday morning.

To avoid additional impound fees due to the "Snow Route" ordinance, have a sober party move your vehicle as soon as possible if your arrest occurs during a snow event in Silverton. Even if legally parked after your arrest, the town requires vehicles to be moved to the opposite side of the street for the next 24-hour plowing cycle. Contact Animas Towing at (970) 946-4303 to confirm the location of your vehicle and release procedures.