Teller County Court Process

The Teller County Courthouse is located at 101 W. Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813. This historic structure is the center of legal activity for the county.

DWI Court Procedures in Teller County, Colorado: A Local Guide

If you've been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Teller County, Colorado, understanding the local court procedures is crucial. This guide provides specific information about navigating the legal process in Teller County, from arrest to potential sentencing.

Arrest and Initial Processing

Following a DUI arrest in Teller County, you'll likely be taken to the Teller County Jail (Detentions Facility) located at 11400 US Highway 24, Divide, CO 80814. Here, you'll undergo booking, which includes being informed of the charges against you and your eligibility for bond. Your sobriety will be assessed, and regardless of bail, you won't be released until your Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) is at a safe level, typically below 0.02 or 0.00.

Securing Release: Bail Bonds

In the absence of a specific judicial order, bail will be set according to the 4th Judicial District’s standardized bond schedule. 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. Teller County accepts cash bonds (full amount deposited), surety bonds through a bail bondsman (non-refundable premium), personal recognizance (PR) bonds (judge's authorization often needed), and potentially property bonds.

Note that while the jail operates 24/7, administrative efficiency fluctuates. Shift changes, headcounts, and meal times create "blackout" periods where processing slows.

Court Appearances and Judicial Officers

The Teller County Courthouse, located at 101 W. Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813, is where your case will be heard. The operational hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Access is controlled via a single entry point with magnetometers. Electronic devices, including cell phones, are strictly regulated.

Misdemeanor DUI cases (first, second, and third offenses) are typically handled in Division T (County Court), presided over by Judge Theresa Kilgore. Judge Kilgore’s docket is high-volume. The court typically requires in-person appearances for arraignments and sentencings, though virtual options (WebEx) may be available for routine status conferences upon request. Felony DUI cases (fourth lifetime offense or vehicular assault/homicide) are handled in Division 11 (District Court), presided over by Judge William Moller. Procedural formality is higher in District Court.

DUI Court Program

For high-risk, repeat offenders, the 4th Judicial District operates a specialized DUI Court. The program targets recidivist impaired drivers, aiming to reduce long-term behavior through intensive supervision rather than straight incarceration. It typically requires a new Felony DUI charge or a revocation of probation on a Felony DUI. The defendant must be a resident of the 4th Judicial District and screen as high-risk/high-need. It involves a phased structure and utilizes a "swift and certain" sanction model. DUI Court reviews are held in Cripple Creek (112 N. A St.) or Colorado Springs.

Vehicle Impoundment

If your vehicle was impounded, the tow company cannot release the vehicle until the Sheriff’s Office places a hold on the vehicle. The defendant must first contact the Sheriff’s Office Records/Evidence division (719-687-9652) to obtain a "Release of Vehicle Hold" form (typically SH-CR-94). This document must be physically presented to the tow operator.

Communication with Inmates

The facility enforces a strict policy prohibiting incoming calls to detainees. If a family member must convey urgent information (e.g., a death in the family or medical emergency), they must call 719-687-7770 and leave a detailed message including the detainee’s full name, alien registration number (if applicable), and the caller’s contact information.