Washington 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 Washington 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

US Highway 34 and US Highway 36 are primary arterial corridors for DUI enforcement in Washington County, Colorado. If you've been arrested for DUI here, understanding the Administrative License Revocation (ALR) process and your right to a hearing is crucial. In Colorado, this process is handled through the Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You only have 7 calendar days from the date of your arrest (for breath tests) or from the date you receive the Notice of Revocation (for blood tests) to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver's license.

What is an ALR Hearing?

An ALR hearing is a separate administrative proceeding from your criminal DUI case. It determines whether the Colorado DMV has sufficient cause to suspend your driver's license based on the circumstances of your arrest. This is entirely separate from the criminal case and the potential penalties in court.

How to Request an ALR Hearing in Washington County

To preserve your driving privileges, you MUST request a hearing within 7 calendar days. While the Washington County Clerk & Recorder at 150 Ash Ave, Akron, CO is a local DMV office, they primarily handle renewals and refer hearing requests to the state portal. Their hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed 11:30-12:30 for lunch).

The most reliable way to ensure your request is received promptly is to request the hearing online via the myDMV Colorado portal. This generates an immediate, timestamped receipt as proof of your timely request.

Hearing Location

While specific information on where ALR hearings are physically held in Washington County is not available, they are typically conducted at a Colorado DMV hearing office that services the region. It's likely to be via remote video conference. Your hearing notice will specify the date, time, and location (physical or virtual) of your scheduled hearing.

What Happens if I Don't Request a Hearing?

If you fail to request a hearing within the 7-day deadline, your driver's license will be automatically suspended, even if you are later found not guilty in your criminal DUI case.

The "Geography Gap" and Interlock Devices

If your license is reinstated with an interlock requirement (statutorily required for BAC > 0.08 or refusals), keep in mind there are no interlock installation centers in Akron. The nearest option is Herzog Automotive (Smart Start) at 415 S 10th Ave, Sterling, CO, approximately 35 miles Northeast.

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

Last updated: January 27, 2026

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