Adams County DUI Court Guide

In Adams County, the first substantive challenge after a DUI arrest is the non-consensual towing and impoundment of your vehicle. Unlike some jurisdictions, Adams County uses a rotation list of private towing carriers.

Vehicle Impoundment and Recovery in Adams County

If you're arrested for DUI in Adams County, your car will be towed by one of several private towing companies contracted by the county and its cities (Brighton, Commerce City, Westminster, Arvada). The specific company depends on where you were arrested. For example, if arrested by Arvada Police or deputies in Western Adams County, Connolly’s Towing is often the primary vendor. Other key operators include Western Towing and Wiggins Junction Towing.

This means your car could end up in a lot miles away from the Adams County Detention Facility in Brighton, where you'll be released. You'll need to arrange transportation to get there, especially if your license was confiscated.

The cost of impoundment adds up quickly. The base rate for a law enforcement-ordered tow is regulated at approximately $100.00 per hour. Daily storage fees for light-duty vehicles (under 10,000 lbs GVWR) are capped at roughly $47.12 per 24-hour period.

A significant issue is the "After Hours Release Fee," which is regulated at approximately $103.70. If you try to get your car outside of the tow company's standard business hours, you'll be charged this fee. Many DUI arrests happen on weekends, and release from jail is often outside normal business hours, leaving you with a tough choice: wait until Monday and pay more in daily storage fees, or pay the after-hours fee.

Keep in mind that Colorado law mandates tow carriers accept credit cards. But anecdotal evidence suggests some companies may prioritize cash payments. Also, to release your car, you need a valid ID and proof of ownership. If your driver's license was confiscated and your registration is in the car, this creates a "catch-22".

Connolly’s Towing, a common impound location for vehicles towed in Western Adams County, operates its car pound from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. The facility is closed on Sundays and holidays, with "no exceptions" to these hours. If arrested late Friday night and bonded out on Sunday morning, you're stuck until Monday, accruing extra storage fees.

Adams County Detention Facility

Upon arrest, you will be transported to the Adams County Detention Facility (ACDF) at 150 North 19th Ave., Brighton, CO 80601. The standard bond amount for misdemeanor DUI is typically set around $1,000. The bond for DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) is set slightly lower, typically $800.

If you have prior alcohol convictions, "Monitored Sobriety" is a mandatory condition of bond release.

DMV and License Revocation

If a blood test was taken, the DMV will mail a "Notice of Revocation" once results are received. You have 10 days from the postmark date on that letter to request a hearing. The "Adams County" state driver license office located at 12200 N Pecos St, Westminster handles reinstatements and hearing requests.