Washington County Bail Information
Understanding bail amounts, the release process, and what happens after a arrest in Washington 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 Washington 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.
Washington County arrests often occur miles from the nearest substation, necessitating long transport times.
DUI Bail in Washington County, Colorado: A Local Guide
If you've been arrested for DUI in Washington County, Colorado, understanding the bail process is crucial. This guide provides specific information relevant to the county's unique operational dynamics.
Where to Post Bail
The Washington County Justice Center (WCJC), located at 26861 US Highway 34, Akron, CO 80720, is where individuals arrested for DUI are processed and held. Bail is typically posted at the WCJC.
Release Timeline
Colorado Revised Statute 16-4-102 mandates that the Sheriff must release a defendant within six hours after a bond is set and the defendant is physically present in the facility. The only valid excuses for delay are "extraordinary circumstances" or the need to fit an electronic monitoring device (up to 24 hours). If a client has posted bond and is not released within 6 hours, the surety and defendant have a statutory right to demand the specific "extraordinary circumstance" causing the delay.
Local Bond Options
Bonds can be cash, surety, or personal recognizance (PR), depending on the judge's determination.
Factors Affecting Bail and Release
- Rural Location: The county's vast, sparsely populated geography creates logistical challenges.
- Weekend Arrests: A DUI arrest occurring Friday night or Saturday evening will almost certainly result in the vehicle remaining in impound until Monday morning, potentially delaying release.
- The "6-Hour Rule:" Colorado law mandates release within six hours of bond posting, absent extraordinary circumstances.
- ICE Detainers: The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will not honor ICE detainers (Form I-247) or administrative warrants unless they are accompanied by a judicial warrant signed by a federal magistrate or judge.
Communication and Visitation (The Digital Wall)
The WCJC utilizes HomeWAV for inmate communication. All visitors must create an account on HomeWAV.com. On-site visitation is only available Monday through Friday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. There is NO on-site visitation on Saturdays or Sundays. Video calls are ~$0.50 per minute; Voice calls are ~$0.25 per minute.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is located at 26861 US Highway 34, Akron, CO 80720.
Sources
Colorado Penal Code
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety