Teller County License Hearing Guide

Teller County DUI License Suspension & ALR Hearing

Being arrested for DUI in Teller County can trigger two separate legal battles: a criminal case in the Teller County Combined Courts, and an administrative case against your driver's license handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue (DMV). This guide focuses on the administrative side – specifically, how to navigate the license suspension process and the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. It's crucial to understand that these are independent of your criminal case, and even if your criminal charges are dropped, your license can still be suspended.

CRITICAL DEADLINE: Request Hearing Within 7 Days

If a Teller County law enforcement officer served you with a "Notice of Revocation" after a DUI arrest (a yellow or carbon copy form), you have a very limited time to act. You MUST request an Express Consent Hearing within 7 days of the arrest (or within 7 days of the date on the letter notifying you of blood test results) to challenge the potential suspension of your driver's license. This deadline is strictly enforced.

Where to Request: The DMV Hearings Division handles these requests.

How to Request: Online Request (Recommended): The most reliable method is to submit your request online through the Colorado DMV website: mydmv.colorado.gov (Driver/ID Services > Appointments and Hearings).

• Fax Request: You can fax a written request to 303-205-5960.
• Mail: Colorado Department of Revenue, Hearings Division, PO Box 173350, Denver, CO 80217.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline: Failure to request a hearing within this 7-day window results in the automatic revocation of your driving privilege on the 8th day. This revocation stands regardless of the outcome of your criminal case (unless you are completely acquitted at trial, which is rare). According to research on DUI procedures in Teller County, this DMV timeline is independent and unforgiving, making this deadline paramount.

Automatic License Suspension

Colorado law mandates automatic license suspensions under certain DUI circumstances. These suspensions are triggered by either failing or refusing chemical testing (breath or blood).

If You Took the Breath/Blood Test and Failed

• BAC Over 0.08: If your blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.08 or higher, you face an automatic license suspension. The length of the suspension varies based on prior offenses and other factors.
• Temporary Permit: The "Notice of Revocation" you received acts as a temporary 7-day driving permit. This permit is valid until your ALR hearing or until the suspension begins, whichever comes first.

If You Refused Testing

• Refusal Penalty: Refusing to submit to a breath or blood test carries a significantly harsher penalty than failing the test. This is because of Colorado's implied consent law.
• Implied Consent Law in Colorado: By driving on Colorado roads, you have implicitly consented to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to testing can result in a longer license suspension.

The ALR/Administrative Hearing

What It Is

The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing is a civil proceeding held by the Colorado DMV to determine whether your driver's license should be suspended due to a DUI arrest. It is entirely separate from your criminal case and has a lower burden of proof.

• Separate from Criminal Court: The outcome of the ALR hearing does not directly impact your criminal case, and vice versa.
• Decides if License Suspension is Warranted: The hearing officer will review the evidence presented to determine if there was probable cause for the arrest, if the chemical test was valid, and if the BAC was over the legal limit (or if you refused testing).
• Lower Burden of Proof Than Criminal Trial: The DMV only needs to prove its case by a "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not), while a criminal conviction requires proof "beyond a reasonable doubt."

How to Prepare

Proper preparation is essential for a successful ALR hearing.

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case. This might include witness statements, dashcam footage (if available), or any documentation that challenges the accuracy of the chemical test.
• Consider Hiring a DUI Attorney: A DUI attorney experienced in Teller County DUI cases can be invaluable. They understand the local court system, can effectively cross-examine witnesses, and present legal arguments on your behalf.
• Understand What You Can Challenge: Common challenges in ALR hearings include:
• Lack of probable cause for the traffic stop.
• Improper administration of the breath or blood test.
• Issues with the breathalyzer machine's calibration or maintenance.
• Questions about the chain of custody of the blood sample.

Possible Outcomes

• Suspension Upheld: The hearing officer finds sufficient evidence to support the license suspension.
• Suspension Overturned: The hearing officer finds that the DMV did not meet its burden of proof, and your license is not suspended.
• Restricted/Hardship License Granted: In some cases, even if the suspension is upheld, you may be eligible for a restricted license, allowing you to drive for specific purposes.

Hardship/Restricted License in Colorado allows for restricted licenses under certain circumstances after a DUI suspension.

• Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case, including prior offenses and BAC level.
• What You Can Drive For: Restricted licenses typically allow driving for work, school, medical appointments, and substance abuse treatment.
• Costs and Application Process: There are fees associated with applying for a restricted license. You'll need to complete an application and provide documentation to support your need for driving privileges.
• IID Requirement: Often, a restricted license requires the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle. As detailed in research regarding DUI procedures in Teller County, Intoxalock has a service location in Woodland Park at Home Town Garage, 711 Gold Hill Square South, Woodland Park, CO 80863, providing Teller County residents a convenient option for interlock services.

Getting Your License Back

Reinstating your driver's license after a DUI suspension involves several steps.

After Criminal Case Concludes

• Reinstatement Requirements: You must satisfy all requirements imposed by the DMV and the court, including completing any required alcohol education or therapy programs.
• Fees: There are reinstatement fees that must be paid to the DMV.
• SR-22 Insurance Requirement: You may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance, a certificate of financial responsibility, for a specified period.
• Classes/Programs That Must Be Completed: Completion of Level II alcohol education and therapy is often required, especially if you are designated as a Persistent Drunk Driver (PDD). According to research, a PDD designation is applied if your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if you refused testing, even on a first offense.

Teller County DMV Offices

Hearings are no longer routinely held in-person at the Union Town Center office in Colorado Springs. The default format is now remote (Zoom or Telephone).

Special Programs

• Ignition Interlock Device Program: Colorado has a mandatory ignition interlock program for many DUI offenders.
• DUI Court (Problem-Solving Court): For high-risk, repeat offenders, the 4th Judicial District operates a specialized DUI Court, targeting recidivism through intensive supervision. This is typically a post-conviction program requiring a new Felony DUI charge or a probation revocation on a Felony DUI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where will my ALR hearing be held? A: Hearings are now primarily held remotely via Zoom or telephone. You will receive a notice with the specific link and time.

Q: What happens if my car was impounded after my DUI arrest in Teller County? A: Your vehicle was likely towed to Fred’s Towing (8785 US-24, Cascade) or Knob Hill Towing (3270 Drennan Industrial Loop N, Colorado Springs). Call TCSO Records at 719-687-9652 to confirm the tow company and check for any "Law Enforcement Hold" on the vehicle. You will need a "Release of Vehicle Hold" form from the Sheriff’s Office before the tow company can release the vehicle.

Q: How can I deposit money into an inmate's account at the Teller County Jail? A: Family members can deposit funds online via the JailATM website using credit or debit cards. For local depositors, a mobile kiosk is located in the lobby of the Teller County Jail at 288 Weaverville Road (adjacent to the main administrative address).