Adams County DUI Guide

DUI Arrest in Adams County, CO: Complete Guide

Being arrested for DUI in Adams County, Colorado sets off a complex process involving multiple agencies and strict deadlines. This guide is designed to provide you with immediate, practical information to navigate the Adams County DUI system, from understanding impound logistics to requesting a critical DMV hearing. It's based on specific research into how DUI cases are handled in Adams County, so you can be sure the information is relevant and actionable.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Adams County

After a DUI arrest in Adams County, you'll face both criminal charges and administrative penalties from the Colorado DMV. The administration of justice regarding DUI offenses in Adams County, Colorado, operates as a complex, multi-layered ecosystem involving municipal, county, and state entities. This guide provides a comprehensive operational analysis of the defendant's journey through the 17th Judicial District, encompassing the Adams County Detention Facility (ACDF), the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Adams County Justice Center, and the network of private sector actors including towing operators and ignition interlock providers.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

The first 24 hours after a DUI arrest in Adams County are crucial. Here's a general timeline:

1. Arrest and Booking: You will be arrested by a law enforcement officer, likely from a municipal police department (Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, Arvada) or an Adams County Sheriff's Deputy. You'll be transported to the Adams County Detention Facility (ACDF) in Brighton.
2. Processing: At the detention facility, you will be booked, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a health screening.
3. Phone Calls: You will be allowed to make phone calls, typically after the booking process is complete. Use this opportunity to contact family, a bail bondsman, or an attorney.
4. Bail: Bail is set according to a pre-determined schedule. The amount will depend on the specific charges and your prior record.
5. Release: Once bail is posted, or if you are released on a personal recognizance bond (PR bond), you will be released from the detention facility. Be aware that release protocols at the detention facility can impose socioeconomic burdens.

You can search for inmates currently held at the Adams County Detention Facility through the Adams County Sheriff's Office website: https://adamssheriffco.gov/community/public-records/inmate-search/

Critical Deadlines

Missing deadlines can have severe consequences in a DUI case. Pay close attention to these:

• ALR Hearing Request: You have only 7 days from the date of your arrest (or the date on the DMV letter if a blood test was taken) to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing with the Colorado DMV. This is a hard deadline. If a blood test was taken, the officer does not serve the notice immediately because the BAC results are pending lab analysis. The DMV mails the "Notice of Revocation" once results are received (which can take weeks). The defendant has 10 days from the postmark date on that letter to request a hearing.
• Court Appearance: Your first court appearance (arraignment) will be scheduled soon after your arrest. The date will be on your bond paperwork.
• License Suspension: If you don't request an ALR hearing, your license will be suspended automatically. If you do request a hearing, your license remains valid until the hearing date.

DUI Enforcement in Adams County

Adams County utilizes various methods to enforce DUI laws. While specific checkpoint locations aren't publicly advertised, be aware that increased enforcement is often seen during holidays and weekends. Pay attention to local news for announcements about saturation patrols.

Local Resources

• Adams County Detention Facility: Brighton, CO. (Inmate search: https://adamssheriffco.gov/community/public-records/inmate-search/)
• Adams County Court Payments: https://www.its.courts.state.co.us/cjop/
• Colorado DMV Online Services: https://mydmv.colorado.gov
• Adams County State Driver License Office: 12200 N Pecos St, Westminster, CO (Handles reinstatements and hearing requests, walk-in services are increasingly limited).

Disclaimer: This website provides general information and resources related to DUI laws and procedures. It is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney.

What Makes Adams County Different

Several factors make navigating a DUI in Adams County unique:

• Decentralized Impound System: Unlike some jurisdictions, Adams County uses a rotation list of private towing companies. This means your vehicle could be towed to a lot in Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, or Arvada, depending on where you were arrested. Key operators in the rotation include Connolly’s Towing (particularly for arrests in Western Adams County), Western Towing, and Wiggins Junction Towing.
• Impound Fees: Be prepared for potentially high impound fees. The base rate for a law enforcement-ordered tow is approximately $100 per hour. Daily storage fees are capped at around $47.12 per day for light-duty vehicles, accruing immediately. An "After Hours Release Fee" of around $103.70 applies if you retrieve your vehicle outside of standard business hours.
• "Postmark Date" ALR Deadline Trap: If a blood test was taken, the DMV mails the "Notice of Revocation" with a deadline to request a hearing. The deadline is 10 days from the postmark date on the letter, not the date you receive it. Mail delays can significantly shorten this timeframe.
• Interlock Battery Drain: During Adams County winters, Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) can drain car batteries due to the cold. Intoxalock devices, in particular, have been reported to cause rapid battery drain. A dead battery can be recorded as a "tamper" event, potentially extending your interlock requirement. SmartStart, Intoxalock, and LifeSafer are the primary providers in the region.
• Temporary Permit Logistics: When you request an ALR hearing timely, you can get a temporary driving permit. You must surrender your physical license to receive the temporary permit. The "Adams County" state driver license office located at 12200 N Pecos St, Westminster handles reinstatements and hearing requests.

To begin the process of reinstating your license after an Express Consent revocation in Adams County, you'll likely need to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility with your insurance provider. Contact your insurance company to initiate this process.