Summit County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Summit 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 Summit 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.
Ryan’s Recovery serves as the dominant towing partner for the Breckenridge Police Department. Their facility is located at 198 Continental Court, Breckenridge.
DUI Bail in Summit County, Colorado: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for DUI in Summit County, Colorado, understanding the bail process is crucial. This guide provides specific information relevant to the local procedures and challenges.
Local Bond Options
Summit County operates under the 5th Judicial District. Historically, a standard misdemeanor DUI might be eligible for a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond ($1,000 - $2,000 unsecured). However, aggravating factors like an accident, high BAC, or uncooperative behavior can lead to a cash/surety bond requirement. A felony DUI (fourth or subsequent offense) typically carries a $10,000 bond. If the DUI involves a domestic violence component, a "No Bond Hold" is placed until a judge issues a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO).
Where to Post Bail
Bail can be posted at the Summit County Detention Facility (Jail) located at 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge.
Payment Methods
Cash is accepted at the jail lobby kiosk, but it must be the exact amount. Credit cards are accepted via kiosk or online (JailATM or a similar vendor) but incur a 3.5% transaction fee plus a $10 bond fee. Alternatively, a surety (bail bondsman) can post the bond for a premium, typically 10-15%. Bond payments must never be made out to the inmate; they must be payable to the "Summit County Combined Courts" or the holding county.
Release Timeline
Colorado Statute (C.R.S. 16-4-102) dictates that a sheriff must release a defendant within six hours after a PR bond is set or a cash/surety bond is posted. An exception allows for a hold of up to 24 hours if electronic monitoring (GPS or SCRAM) is ordered. Be aware that shift changes (6:00 AM/PM) and headcount times can create delays in the release process.
Important Contacts and Information
To locate a towed vehicle, call Summit County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 970-668-8600 immediately upon release. They log every non-consensual tow in the county. Before heading to the tow lot, verify if a "Law Enforcement Hold" is active to avoid unnecessary trips.
The Summit County Justice Center is located at 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Summit County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety