Summit 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 Summit 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 Summit County Detention Facility (Jail), located at 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge, serves as the central processing hub for all arrests in the county. This includes arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). If you've been arrested for DUI in Summit County, Colorado, understanding the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process and your right to request a hearing is crucial to protecting your driving privileges. In Colorado, this process is handled through the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have a very limited time to act.

The 15-Day Deadline for ALR Hearings

In Colorado, you have only 15 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request an ALR hearing with the DMV. This deadline is strict, and if you miss it, your license will be automatically suspended. This 15-day window includes weekends and holidays.

Requesting an ALR Hearing in Summit County

While Colorado residents can request an ALR hearing online, those who are not Colorado residents or whose licenses were issued in other states, must appear in person at the Colorado DMV or mail the request. In the Summit County area, the nearest Driver Control Hearing Division office is located in Denver. Due to the risk of missing the 15 day deadline, it's highly recommended to mail your request via certified mail. Your request must be received by the DMV within 15 days, not postmarked.

  • Mail: Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver Control Hearing Division, P.O. Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217-3350

Hearing Location

ALR hearings related to DUI arrests in Summit County are typically held at the Denver DMV. You may be able to request a hearing by phone, depending on the circumstances. It's best to contact the Driver Control Hearing Division as soon as possible.

Local Timeline

The timeline for scheduling an ALR hearing in Summit County can vary. It depends on the backlog at the Denver DMV. Generally, you can expect to wait several weeks for your hearing to be scheduled. Because of potential delays, it is highly recommended to send in your request as soon as possible.

Occupational License

If your license is suspended, you may be eligible for a restricted license, also known as an "ignition interlock-restricted license." This allows you to drive to and from work, school, and other essential locations, provided your vehicle is equipped with an approved ignition interlock device. Information about this can be obtained through the Colorado DMV's website.

Summit County Justice Center is located at 501 N. Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424.

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

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Back to Colorado DUI Guide

24/7 Legal Support

Need a DUI Attorney in Summit County?

Get connected with experienced DUI attorneys who know Summit County courts and can fight for the best outcome.

Talk To An Attorney