San Juan County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in San Juan 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 San Juan 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.
U.S. Highway 550 (the "Million Dollar Highway") connects Silverton to Durango to the south and Ouray to the north.
DUI Bail in San Juan County, Colorado: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for DUI in San Juan County, Colorado, understanding the bail process is crucial. Due to the county's unique geographical challenges and lack of a local jail, the process differs significantly from that of larger, more urban areas.
Detention and the "La Plata Transfer"
San Juan County does not have its own jail. After a DUI arrest in San Juan County, you will be transported approximately 48 miles south via US-550 to the La Plata County Detention Center in Durango. This transport can take one hour in optimal conditions, but winter weather can double that time or even halt transport completely if the mountain passes close.
Bond Schedules and Release
Upon arrival at the La Plata County Jail, you will be processed, and your release will be dictated by the 6th Judicial District's bond schedule.
Standard Bond Amounts
For warrantless DUI arrests (the most common scenario), the jail uses a uniform bond schedule set by the Chief Judge of the 6th Judicial District. This allows for release before seeing a judge, as long as your case doesn't involve any factors that trigger a mandatory hold.
Domestic Violence: Be aware that if the DUI involves any element of domestic violence (for example, an altercation in the vehicle), a "No Bond" hold is mandatory. You'll be held until you appear before a magistrate, typically the next business day or via a weekend magistrate advisement, for a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO) to be issued.
Posting Bond
La Plata County Jail offers several methods for posting bail:
- TouchPay Kiosk: A physical kiosk is available in the jail lobby (open 24/7) that accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. The Facility ID is 781303.
- Online Bonding: Funds can be deposited remotely via touchpayonline.com. You'll need the inmate’s ID Number, which can be found via the VINELink system (vinelink.com) or the jail roster.
- Cash (In-Person): Bond can be paid in cash at the window, but only in the exact amount. The jail does not provide change.
The "Silverton Stranding"
A critical issue to be aware of is what happens after you are released. The "Silverton Stranding" is a high-probability risk. A defendant arrested in Silverton is released onto the streets of Durango, 50 miles away from their vehicle (which is impounded in Silverton) and potentially without a phone. Arrange for a "jail pickup" with a private vehicle or a pre-booked shuttle before the bond is posted.
Buck Horn Limousine is a primary "taxi-like" option for long-distance transport. Rates to Silverton start around $252.00. Buck Horn Limousine requires reservation; it is not a curb-hail service.
La Plata County Detention Center's TouchPay Kiosk is available in the jail lobby and is open 24/7.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety