Teller County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Teller County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Teller County, Colorado, can be a disorienting experience. Unlike urban areas, Teller County's DUI process involves a geographically dispersed system, with arrests often occurring on mountain highways like U.S. Highway 24 and State Highway 67, and processing at the Teller County Jail in Divide. This guide provides immediate, practical steps to navigate the complexities of a DUI arrest in Teller County, focusing on the specific procedures and resources available to you.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Teller County

After being pulled over and arrested for DUI by the Teller County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), Woodland Park Police Department, Cripple Creek Police Department, or the Colorado State Patrol, you'll be taken into custody. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect in the coming days and weeks, from navigating the Teller County Jail to understanding court appearances and potential license suspensions. This guide covers the immediate steps, critical deadlines, enforcement patterns, and local resources you'll need to navigate this challenging situation.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

• Arrest and Transport: You'll be transported to the Teller County Jail, located at 11400 US Highway 24, Divide, CO 80814.
• Booking Process: Upon arrival at the sally port, expect a "blackout" phase where you are in custody but not yet accessible to the outside world. You'll be entered into the Jail Management System, informed of your charges and bond eligibility. Unless there's a specific statutory prohibition, the bond amount will be communicated based on the 4th Judicial District’s standing bond schedule.
• Medical and Sobriety Screening: You will not be released until your Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) has dropped to a safe level (typically below 0.02 or 0.00). This is a key factor determining your release timeline, regardless of how quickly bail is posted.
• Property Inventory: Your personal belongings will be cataloged and stored. Keys to your vehicle, if impounded, will typically be transferred to the tow company or placed in the property locker.
• Communication: You cannot receive incoming calls. Family members can call 719-687-7770 for verified emergencies, leaving a detailed message including your full name, alien registration number (if applicable), and the caller’s contact information. Staff will vet the message and relay it at their discretion. You'll have access to telephones in the dayrooms to make collect or prepaid calls.

Critical Deadlines

• ALR Hearing: You have only 10 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV to challenge your license suspension.
• Court Appearance: Your first court appearance, also known as an advisement hearing, will be scheduled soon after your arrest. The date will be on your paperwork given to you upon release. Be sure to mark it on your calendar and arrive on time. The Teller County Combined Courts are located in Cripple Creek. Missing this date will result in further legal consequences.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing or if you lose the hearing, your license will be suspended. The length of the suspension varies based on the specifics of your case.

DUI Enforcement in Teller County

Teller County's DUI enforcement is influenced by its unique geography and demographics. The Sheriff’s Office prioritizes DUI enforcement as a critical public safety mandate on the county’s perilous mountain roadways. Keep an eye out for increased enforcement along U.S. Highway 24 and State Highway 67. While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly announced, be aware that high-traffic tourist periods, especially around Pikes Peak and the Cripple Creek gaming district, often see increased patrol presence.

Local Resources

• Teller County Combined Courts: Located in Cripple Creek. Contact information can be found on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
• Teller County Jail: 11400 US Highway 24, Divide, CO 80814. Phone: 719-687-9652.
• Teller County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency): 719-687-9652
• Emergency Message Protocol: For urgent messages to detainees, call 719-687-7770.
• Bail Bondsmen: Many bondsmen are based in Colorado Springs or Pueblo. Search online for "Colorado bail bondsmen." The Sheriff's Office is prohibited from recommending specific bondsmen.
• DUI Attorneys: Search online for "DUI attorney Colorado" to find qualified legal representation.

What Makes Teller County Different

Teller County's DUI process has unique aspects:

• Geographic Challenges: The county's dispersed geography creates a "service desert" effect, where services like attorneys, interlock providers, and therapists are often located far from the jail and courthouse. This can add significant time and expense to compliance. Expect to travel between Woodland Park, Divide and Cripple Creek to fulfill court and legal requirements.
• Strict Enforcement: Sheriff Mikesell has positioned the Sheriff’s Office with a rigorous adherence to federal and state law enforcement standards. This suggests that leniency in procedural deviations—such as failure to appear or violation of bond conditions—is unlikely.
• Jail Environment: The Teller County Jail is a medium-security facility with a podular design and limited recreation. The environment is designed for short-term pretrial detention.
• Bond Amounts: Be aware that the bond amount for DUI offenses typically escalates by $1,000 for each prior conviction. Felony DUI arrests require a condition of monitored abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs as a bond condition.
• Commissary and Financial Logistics: Use the JailATM system to deposit funds for commissary or phone time. A kiosk is located in the lobby of the Teller County Jail at 288 Weaverville Road (adjacent to the main administrative address).

Remember, after posting bail, ensure you understand your court date and ALR hearing deadline. Requesting an ALR hearing within 10 days is critical to protecting your driving privileges. Contact the Colorado DMV immediately to begin this process.