San Juan County DUI Bail Information

San Juan County Bail Process After DUI Arrest

Being arrested for DUI in San Juan County can be a stressful and confusing experience. Understanding the bail process is a crucial first step to regaining your freedom and preparing your defense. Bail is essentially a financial guarantee that you will appear in court as required. In San Juan County, the process involves several steps and options that are important to understand. This guide will walk you through the bail process, explain your options, and highlight considerations specific to San Juan County.

Typical Bail Amounts for DUI

Bail amounts in Colorado are generally set according to a bond schedule established by the Chief Judge of the 6th Judicial District, which includes San Juan County. This schedule provides guidelines for bail amounts based on the severity of the offense.

• First Offense DUI/DWAI (Misdemeanor): $1,000
• DUI with Injury: Bond amounts can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors, but will likely be substantially higher than a standard DUI.
• DUI with Prior Offenses: Felony DUI (F4) bond amounts can range from $2,000 to $10,000. Monitored sobriety may be required as a condition of release.

If the DUI involved an element of domestic violence, such as an altercation in the vehicle, a "No Bond" hold is mandatory. The defendant must be held until they appear before a magistrate for the issuance of a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO), typically the next business day or via a weekend magistrate advisement.

How to Post Bail in San Juan County

Several options are available for posting bail in San Juan County. Understanding each option can help you choose the one that best fits your situation.

Option 1: cash bail

• How it Works: You pay the full bail amount in cash. La Plata County Detention Center accepts cash, credit, and debit cards at the TouchPay kiosk located in the jail lobby (open 24/7). The Facility ID is 781303. Funds can also be deposited remotely via touchpayonline.com. You will need the Inmate’s ID Number, which can be found via the VINELink system (vinelink.com) or the jail roster. Bond can be paid in cash at the window, but it must be the exact amount as the jail does not provide change.
• Refund: If you attend all required court appearances, approximately 90% of the cash bail will be returned to you after your case concludes.
• Where to Pay: At the La Plata County Detention Center, located at 742 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303.
• Payment Methods: Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted at the kiosk and online.

Option 2: bail bondsman

• How it Works: Instead of paying the full bail amount, you pay a non-refundable fee (typically 10-15% of the total bail) to a licensed bail bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount on your behalf.
• Requirements: You will typically need a valid photo ID, potentially collateral (such as a car title or property deed), and possibly a co-signer to guarantee your appearance in court.
• Finding a Bondsman: Use the directory listings available on this site to find a licensed bail bondsman who operates in the 6th Judicial District.
• Digital Paperwork: Some agencies, like Dennis Blackwell Bail Bonds, offer online or digital paperwork, which can be crucial for co-signers located outside of Durango.

Option 3: property bond

• How it Works: You use real property (such as land or a house) as collateral to secure your release.
• Requirements: The property must be worth significantly more than the bail amount (typically 150-200%). The process involves a property appraisal and legal paperwork, which can take longer than other bail options.
• Considerations: Property bonds are less common due to the complexity and time involved.

Option 4: personal recognizance (pr bond)

• How it Works: You are released on your own promise to appear in court. No bail money is required.
• Eligibility: PR bonds are more common for first-time offenders with strong ties to the community and a low risk of flight.
• County-Specific Factors: The judge will consider your criminal history, employment status, and residency when deciding whether to grant a PR bond.

Timeline: How Long Until Release?

• Typical Processing Time: After posting bail, the La Plata County Jail must release you within a certain timeframe.
• 6-Hour Rule: Colorado House Bill 21-1280 mandates that the jail release a defendant no later than 6 hours after the bond is set and the funds are verified/posted for cash bonds, or within 6 hours of a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond being granted.
• Best Times to Post Bail: Posting bail during regular business hours may expedite the release process, as staff are readily available to process paperwork.
• Potential Delays: Delays can occur due to high jail population, incomplete paperwork, or complications with verifying funds. If release is delayed beyond the 6-hour window, the jail must document the specific reason in the defendant's file.

What Happens After Posting Bail

• Conditions of Release: You will likely be subject to certain conditions of release, such as abstaining from alcohol, attending mandatory court appearances, and complying with any court orders.
• Court Appearance: You will receive a notice indicating the date, time, and location of your next court appearance at the San Juan County Combined Court.
• Consequences of Missing Court: Failing to appear in court can result in the forfeiture of your bail money, a warrant for your arrest, and additional criminal charges.

Special Considerations in San Juan County

• "Silverton Stranding": A significant challenge in San Juan County is the "Silverton Stranding" phenomenon. If you are arrested in Silverton and transported to the La Plata County Detention Center in Durango, you will be released in Durango, approximately 50 miles away from your vehicle (which is likely impounded in Silverton) and potentially without a phone.
• Transportation Deficit: Transportation options between Durango and Silverton are limited, especially late at night. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are unreliable for long-distance trips. Public transit is not a viable option. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a tourist excursion with limited winter service. Buck Horn Limousine offers taxi-like services, but requires reservations and can be costly (around $252.00 to Silverton).
• Recommendation: Arrange a "jail pickup" with a private vehicle or pre-booked shuttle before bail is posted to avoid being stranded in Durango.
• Court Schedule: The San Juan County Combined Court's restricted operational hours (closed Wednesdays and Fridays) can impact scheduling and processing times. When the court is closed, urgent matters can be routed through the La Plata County Clerk at (970) 247-2304.
• IID Vendor Location: A major logistical hurdle is the absence of certified interlock installers within San Juan County. Residents must travel to Durango or Cortez for installation and mandated monthly calibrations. The primary installation hub is Durango, approximately 50 miles from Silverton.

Navigating the bail process after a DUI arrest in San Juan County can be challenging. Understanding your options and planning ahead can help you secure your release and begin preparing your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will I be taken after being arrested for DUI in Silverton? You will likely be transported to the La Plata County Detention Center in Durango for booking, as San Juan County contracts with La Plata County for jail services.
2. What happens if I am released late at night from the La Plata County Jail and need to get back to Silverton? Transportation options are limited. Arrange for a pre-booked ride or have someone pick you up, as rideshares are unreliable for long-distance trips late at night.
3. What should I do if I need to file something with the San Juan County Combined Court on a Wednesday? Since the San Juan County Combined Court is closed on Wednesdays and Fridays, you can contact the La Plata County Clerk at (970) 247-2304 for urgent matters.

Browse licensed bail bondsmen serving San Juan County in our bail bond directory.