San Juan County License Hearing Guide

How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.

Last verified: January 27, 2026

15-Day Deadline

You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.

Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:

Select arrest date

If You Request in Time

  • • Temporary permit until hearing
  • • Chance to keep your license
  • • Gather evidence for defense

If You Miss the Deadline

  • • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
  • • No hearing, no appeal
  • • Starts after waiting period

How to Request Your Hearing

Fastest Method

Online Request

Fee: Typically $50-$125

Available: 24/7

Instant confirmation

Alternative

Phone Request

Fee: Same as online

Hours: Business hours only

Expect hold times

Information You'll Need

From Your Notice:

  • • Driver License Number
  • • Date of Arrest
  • • Arresting Agency
  • • Arresting Officer Name

Personal Information:

  • • Full Legal Name
  • • Current Address
  • • Date of Birth
  • • Phone Number & Email

After You Request

1

Temporary Permit

Immediate

Drive legally until your hearing

2

Hearing Notice

20-40 days

Date, time, and format mailed to you

3

Prepare Defense

Before hearing

Gather evidence, hire attorney

4

Attend Hearing

Scheduled date

Usually phone or video

5

Decision

Same day

Win: keep license. Lose: suspension starts

What to Expect at the Hearing

Most hearings are by phone or video

You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.

Duration

30-60 minutes typically

Who's There

You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer

What They Review

Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity

Evidence That Can Help

  • Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
  • Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
  • Witness statements about your sobriety
  • Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests

Should You Hire an Attorney?

With an Attorney

  • Can subpoena arresting officer
  • Knows how to challenge evidence
  • Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
  • Higher success rate at hearings

Without an Attorney

  • State has experienced attorney present
  • May not know proper objections
  • Can't effectively cross-examine officers
  • Lower win rate statistically
Find DUI Attorneys in San Juan County

If You Lose Your Hearing

Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:

Ignition Interlock

Drive with device installed

Occupational License

Limited driving for work/essentials

FAQ

Related Guides

Court Process
Criminal case timeline
Bail & Bond
Getting released

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) operates in a uniquely challenging environment, with the primary thoroughfare being U.S. Highway 550 (the "Million Dollar Highway"). If you've been arrested for DUI in San Juan County, Colorado, your driver's license will likely be confiscated, and you will face an administrative license suspension process separate from your criminal case. You have only 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing to challenge this suspension. Failing to request a hearing within this timeframe will result in automatic suspension of your driving privileges.

Requesting an ALR Hearing in San Juan County

Because of the unique logistical situation in San Juan County, administrative hearings are not typically held locally. You will need to request a hearing from the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While specific methods may vary, you generally can request an ALR hearing by:

  • Mail: Send a written request to the Colorado DMV Hearings Section (check the Colorado DMV website for the most current address).

  • Online: Check the Colorado DMV website to see if an online hearing request option is available.

Be sure to include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the date of your DUI arrest, and a clear statement that you are requesting an ALR hearing to contest the suspension of your driver's license. Keep a copy of your request and any proof of mailing for your records.

Hearing Location for San Juan County Residents

ALR hearings for San Juan County DUI arrests are generally NOT held in San Juan County. Given San Juan County's unique "jurisdictional displacement" model, ALR hearings are typically conducted in Denver. You can verify the hearing location on the notice you receive from the DMV acknowledging your hearing request.

Local Timeline for ALR Hearings

The timeline for scheduling an ALR hearing can vary. However, expect a significant wait time, as the Colorado DMV handles hearings statewide. Requesting the hearing as soon as possible within the 15-day deadline is crucial to preserve your driving privileges.

Vehicle Impound Information: Animas Towing

If your vehicle was impounded after your DUI arrest, Animas Towing & Recovery is the primary vendor for law enforcement tows within the Town of Silverton and surrounding San Juan County. They can be reached at (970) 946-4303. Keep in mind that a "Police Hold" may be placed on your vehicle, especially in cases involving Vehicular Assault or Felony DUI. In such cases, you'll need written authorization from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office before the vehicle can be released. The Sheriff's office typically operates Monday through Friday.

Sources
  • Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
  • Colorado Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures

Last updated: January 27, 2026

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