Weld County DUI Court Guide

Weld County DUI Court Process

Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Weld County can be a stressful and confusing experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the court process, potential penalties, and available resources to help you navigate the legal system. Understanding the steps involved is crucial for protecting your rights and making informed decisions about your case. In Weld County, a DUI arrest triggers two independent legal tracks: the criminal case in the 19th Judicial District and an administrative case with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Which Court Handles DUI Cases?

DUI cases in Weld County are handled by the 19th Judicial District Court. The 19th Judicial District has several locations within Greeley:

• Weld County Centennial Center: 915 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays. The Self-Help Center is located on the 1st floor of the Centennial Center and can provide forms and procedural information for civil, family, and probate matters. Maria Maas and Sandra Perez are coordinators. They can be reached at 19SelfHelp@judicial.state.co.us or (970) 475-2410. The Self-Help Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday is often excluded from walk-in hours, requiring appointments.
• Weld County Courthouse: 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays.
• Plaza West: 910 10th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays. Employee parking ("Lot 1") is located west of the Plaza West facility.

To find your specific court date, consult your bond paperwork or contact the 19th Judicial District Clerk's Office.

The Court Process Timeline

The DUI court process generally follows this timeline:

1. Arraignment (First Appearance)

• When it happens: The arraignment is typically the first court appearance after a DUI arrest.
• What to expect: At the arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges against you, your rights, and the potential penalties if convicted.
• Entering a plea: You will be asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
• Getting a court-appointed attorney: If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a public defender at the arraignment.

2. Pre-Trial Hearings

• Discovery process: The prosecution is required to provide you with the evidence they intend to use against you, including police reports, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, and witness statements.
• Plea negotiations: Your attorney will engage in negotiations with the prosecutor to potentially reach a plea agreement.
• Typical plea deals in Weld County: Plea deals can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but may involve reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options.

3. Trial (If No Plea Deal)

• Jury vs. bench trial: You have the right to a jury trial, where a panel of citizens decides your guilt or innocence. You can also opt for a bench trial, where the judge makes the decision.
• What prosecution must prove: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Common defenses: Common defenses in DUI cases include challenging the accuracy of the BAC test, arguing that the police lacked probable cause to stop you, or demonstrating that you were not impaired.
• Typical trial length: DUI trials can last from a few days to a week or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Penalties for DUI in Weld County, CO

The penalties for DUI in Colorado are set by state law and can vary depending on the number of prior offenses and the circumstances of the case.

First Offense

• Jail time: Up to one year in jail.
• Fines: $600 to $1,000.
• License suspension: Up to nine months.
• Other requirements: Alcohol and drug evaluation, Level I or Level II alcohol education and therapy, community service, and installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) upon reinstatement.

Second Offense

• Increased jail time.
• Increased fines.
• Longer license suspension.
• Mandatory IID.

Third Offense

• A third DUI offense in Colorado is a felony.
• Prison time.
• Permanent revocation risk.

Court Programs in Weld County

Weld County offers several programs that may be available to DUI offenders:

• DUI Court: A post-sentence, voluntary program for offenders with multiple DUI convictions. It requires a minimum commitment of 18 months. Participants sign a contract agreeing to intensive supervision, random testing, and association only with sober networks. It is coordinated by Heather Nakamura.
• Adult Treatment Court: Similar to DUI court but addresses broader substance abuse issues.
• Work Release Program: Located in a separate facility near the main jail complex, the Work Release program is a highly regimented alternative to straight incarceration. New clients typically report for intake on Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM. A breathalyzer is administered immediately upon arrival. Testing positive for alcohol at intake is a violation of the program entry rules and can result in immediate remand to the main jail. Clients must call a "Location Change Line" (970-400-4123) every time they move (e.g., leaving work for lunch, arriving at work). Failure to do so is considered an escape or unauthorized absence.

What to Bring to Court

• Photo ID
• Court summons
• Any documentation relevant to your case
• Dress professionally.

Local Court Procedures

Parking in downtown Greeley near the courts is heavily regulated. The designated lot for jurors is located off 11th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. Jurors do not need to display a permit to park there. There is a specific lot, "Lot 1," located west of the Plaza West facility that is strictly reserved for employees, and unauthorized parking here results in immediate towing. The street parking surrounding the courthouse (9th Ave, 10th St) generally features limited two-hour timed parking, and court proceedings often exceed two hours. Alternative free parking is noted at the Train Depot (South end) at 7th Avenue and 10th Street.

To prevent drug smuggling into the jail, the Weld County Sheriff's Office enforces a strict mail policy. Envelopes, stamps, and blank paper are considered contraband. Mail with stickers, lipstick, glitter, glue, or organic stains is rejected. Only plain postcards or simple letters are typically allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I request a public defender in Weld County? A: You can request a public defender at your arraignment. The court will assess your financial situation to determine if you qualify.

Q: Where is the Greeley Driver License Office located? A: The Greeley Driver License Office is located at 2320 Reservoir Road, Unit A. The office operates primarily by appointment.

Q: What is the "Location Change Line" for the Weld County Work Release program? A: Clients in the Work Release program must call the Location Change Line at 970-400-4123 every time they move (e.g., leaving work for lunch, arriving at work).

Sources

• Weld County Centennial Center
• Weld County Courthouse
• Weld Combined Court - Self Help Center | Judicial Legal Help Center - Colorado Law Help
• Parking in Greeley
• Weld County Sheriff's Office
• Weld County SO Detention Policy and Procedure Manual
• 19TH JUDICIAL DUI COURT - Colorado Judicial Branch
• Weld County Judges and Staff | Colorado Judicial Branch